Elanthipedia - User contributions [en]

The First Land Herald/449-05-30

2024-07-04T16:20:12Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Illiya
|gamedate=449-05-30
|articlenumber=86
|headline=Magic Stops, Causes Widespread Disruption
|article=For nearly a decade, magic users have experienced occasional anomalies while casting spells -- strange sensations including watching the mana streams behave oddly, sudden smells or tastes, the sound of laughter, and more. Despite some research, the cause remained elusive due to the infrequent nature of these occurrences. One public experiment conducted by [[Mazrian]] had no tangible results. However, in recent days, the frequency and violence of these disruptions escalated dramatically, affecting all magic users regardless of mana type.

Recently, while attending a celebration for [[Tirost|Tirost Armagna's]] 200th circle accomplishment in the [[Warrior Mage]] guild, I and other attendees felt that magic had inexplicably ceased to function. Attempts to access magic resulted in complete failure and a feeling of coldness. We soon learned that the anomaly was widespread. Reports flooded in from across [[Elanthia]], detailing the complete disappearance of magic.

In response to the crisis, a contingent from our group traveled to [[Shard]] to convene with others at the Town Hall meeting. There, Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]] shared visions potentially connected to the magic disruption. One vision suggested [[Throne City]] as a possible lead, prompting the formation of an investigative party.

Sir [[Madigan|Madigan De'Mascus]] led a group to travel to Throne City, including Thanataar, [[Melindrha]], [[Saragos]], [[Dantia]], [[Urbaj]], [[Crobin]], Dame [[Betlind]], Leayne, Lelly, [[Navesi]], [[Rileos]], and myself. During this time, some reported briefly regaining their connection to magic, only to lose it again moments later. However, the trip yielded no concrete answers.

During the return voyage, [[attunement]] appeared to have been restored but felt erratic and uncontrollable. Suddenly a [[mana]] surge appeared near Navesi -- a swirling vortex of brilliant light -- which caused havoc and confusion among the group. The surge dissipated on its own. Navesi reported that it left her feeling bruised and cold, bereft of attunement.

Shortly after we arrived on the mainland, Shard, [[Riverhaven]], and the [[Crossing]] were attacked by [[Vile plague wraith|vile plague wraiths]], creatures normally found in [[Forfedhdar]]. While the reason for their simultaneous appearance in major cities remains unknown, courageous adventurers successfully repelled the attacks.

The cause of the magic disruption is still a mystery. For now, it seems that magic has once again returned to the realms, though it now operates in a changed and volatile form. Some are calling it [[Wild magic (concept)|"wild" magic]]. I urge magic users to exercise caution while attempting to cast spells until the situation is resolved. Several deaths have been reported due to these instabilities. Some intrepid adventurers are trying to research the situation, but everyone I have spoken to reports that such research comes with some danger, amplifying the wild nature of their attunement. Sometimes they also find themselves with knowledge of new, sometimes dangerous spells.

Sir Madigan summed up the situation pragmatically. "Meh, there is always something bloody trying to blow us up in this realm. Good thing we have stalwart defenders who don't give a flip about whatever it is and run towards the bloody thing."

Tirost, whose party was unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) interrupted by the event, remained optimistic.
"In a way, I'm glad we were all together when it happened. It was good to be in such company when seeking answers to such a mystery, and we were ready when the plague wraiths attacked."

The mystery of the magic outage remains unsolved, but the dedication of these investigators shines a light in these dark times. We eagerly await further developments and pray for a swift resolution to this unprecedented crisis.

Until then,

[[Illiya|Illiya]] 
Assistant Reporter for the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Attunement, Crossing, Elanthia, Forfedhdar, Magic, Mana, Riverhaven, Shard, Throne City, Vile Plague Wraith, Wild Magic
}}

The First Land Herald/449-02-30

2024-06-10T02:21:54Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Illiya,
|gamedate=449-02-30
|articlenumber=85
|headline=O-Pi-Sekh Chants Erupt as Chepiso Escapes Hounds of Rutilor
|article=In a shocking turn of events, [[Chepiso]], a former high-ranking member of the [[Hounds of Rutilor]], has been sighted alive after a public execution witnessed by many in the [[Crossing]] Town Square. The circumstances surrounding his return are uncertain, leaving citizens shaken and the Hounds in disarray.

Recently, a citizen of [[Shard]] reported seeing an ironwood wagon bearing the insignia of the Hounds of [[Rutilor]] rumble to a halt before the revered [[Temple of Light]] in Shard. Two Hounds emerged, dragging a bloodied and emaciated man from the back of the wagon before a crowd of citizens gathered on the street, who recognized the prisoner despite his disheveled state, and began chanting his name: "Che-pi-so."

A commotion erupted as Chepiso, in a desperate bid for freedom, attacked his captors, sinking his teeth into one guard's hand, headbutting another, and smashing the skull of a Hound with the manacles that bound his hands. The crowd erupted in a cacophony of shouts. Among the chaos, the chants morphed into a new name: "O-pi-sekh." The meaning of the name, and why the crowd began chanting it at that moment, remains unknown.

Despite the outburst, the tide turned swiftly. A half-dozen Hounds encircled Chepiso and smashed a steel mace into his face, sending him sprawling to the ground. The Hounds wasted no time, seizing their prisoner and dragging his body into the temple, leaving a bloody smear on the ground. A [[Cleric]] attempted to protest the desecration of the temple but was shoved into a nearby alcove.

Inside the Grand Hall, the spectacle continued. Witnesses reported a wounded Hound rinsing his bloodied hand in the temple's holy fountain, turning the sacred water a horrifying red. Two others hauled Chepiso deeper into the temple, vanishing into the shadows of the Alcove of Rutilor.

The details of what transpired within the alcove remain shrouded in mystery. What is known is that the Hounds returned to the Grand Hall without their prisoner, but their bodies were later found lifeless within the very hall they had defiled. Chepiso was seen escaping the temple into the throng outside.

Court Mage [[Miskton]] Ramahk, who led a party to cleanse the temple in the aftermath of the events, expressed his gratitude to those who helped. "I am immensely grateful for all of the people who came out to assist with the cleaning of the Temple of Light after it was desecrated by the Hounds of Rutilor," he said. "Not only have the Hounds shown flagrant disrespect, they have also failed in their custody of Chepiso. He has proven himself to be dangerous, and I encourage anyone who spots him to report the sighting to the local authorities."

Mother [[Jaelia]] Evensong, another participant in the temple cleansing, offered a Clerical perspective. "Horrible actions and crimes desecrated the Altar of Rutilor, supposedly in His name. These are not the actions of Justice, be it divine or civil. The blood, wrath and destruction in Rutilor's sacred space has begun its cleansing by the community coming together and finding common cause."

Days later, a scarred and barely recognizable figure believed to be Chepiso spoke with a group of adventurers outside Shard's east gate. He identified himself as a former Hound who broke his oath to Rutilor when the Hounds did not go far enough.

The man spoke further of a "toll taken" and a "sacrifice made" and claimed to have died at the Temple of Light, only to be brought back to life by [[Trothfang]]. He soon left to meditate on "the Hunt."

[[Golameth]] War'Child, who was among the party that encountered the man outside the gate, believes his embrace of Trothfang signifies a dangerous shift. "If he has truly embraced Trothfang, those who spat at him should be afraid. The Hunt is all that matters now to him."

The exact details of Chepiso's ordeal within the Temple, the nature of his transformation, and the meaning behind the chanted name "[[Opisekh]]" remain unclear. One thing is certain: Chepiso is not the same man who entered the Temple of Light, and his return portends a dark future.

Stay safe out there,

[[Illiya|Illiya]] 
Assistant Reporter for the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Chepiso,Cleric,Crossing,Hounds of Rutilor,Ilithi,Opisekh,Paladin,Rutilor,Shard,Temple of Light,Trothfang,Zoluren
}}

The First Land Herald/449-01-14

2024-06-10T02:16:23Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Shaylynne,
|gamedate=449-01-14
|articlenumber=84
|headline=A Spotlight on Krenze, Goblin Pyromancer
|article=[[Krenze]] the [[goblin]] was a pyromaniac, warlord, and terror to both [[Zoluren]] and [[Therengia]]. It is my hope that this article will chronicle his story.

When he first rose to notoriety, it was through a series of fiery attacks on the city of the [[Crossing]]. Ruby [[Moongate|moongates]] opened with [[Fire Ball|fireballs]] flying through their maws, setting fire to everything and everyone in the vicinity. Krenze, wielding a throwing hammer of flame, summoned his army of goblin berserkers and set them loose. Citizens defended the city.

However, after reading through notes of other adventurers and reporters, I couldn’t help but notice a contrast to Krenze’s usually violent and dangerous nature. I found myself picturing him as a rather well-spoken goblin surrounded by adoring fans, or groupies -- as he called them. [[Urbaj]] shared the opinion that Krenze seemed more [[Bard]] than [[Warrior Mage]].

The duality was fascinating when he tried this friendlier approach. Boasting a flame-boyant panache, the goblin warlord appeared to fit in with certain crowds. I personally witnessed his charisma lulling folks into forgetting -- if only briefly -- his fondness for invading our cities and burning everything to the ground. This admittedly sometimes charming Krenze was indeed a villain, a bad guy, but not necessarily a "bad" guy.

At one point Krenze met with a group of adventurers. He began with a short story on how he came to love fire and being a Warrior Mage. He went on to issue an ultimatum.

Krenze said, "And then I was bored, so I decided, you know what's better than sitting around casting rocks at wildlife? Probably burning things. But mostly, I noticed a few things that you have that I wanted.” He paused for effect. “So. Here's the thing. You have [[Lesser Fist of Heaven|two]] [[Greater Fist of Heaven|volcanos]] you're not using. I want one. So. You have about four, maybe six weeks to make up your mind. One volcano, one [[dragon]], or I probably set more stuff on fire."

He added, “Really, you have until I get bored."

Later, when given a platform from which to speak, Krenze continued his friendly demeanor. He regaled captive audiences with quips, accepting an occasional offer of snacks or gifts, all while ever seeking deeds for land with volcanos.

At one point, I learned of a formal interview with Krenze, hosted by Amailia. I sought out a witness. Mother Jaelia was present at the encounter, and by her account, many were upset with the choice to give him the chance to speak at all. Though not everyone approved, Jaelia felt it was important that the chance be given, despite her personal feelings about Krenze. "We aren't his fans or supporters. It is a unique chance, and we understand if you want to fight... but sometimes, different things work too." She maintains he provided valuable information, and it led to useful introspection.

Although he was not a king, nor a prince, he was in a leadership role as warlord to his fellow goblins, and Mother Jaelia thought that he took advantage of the loyalty of his brethren, considering he senselessly sacrificed those of his own race for his cause. She also described him as short of attention, resorting to attacks when he was bored. Jaelia believes that we learned from him, at the cost of him learning from us. She referred to herself as a goblin "sympathizer" whose primary interest lay with the common goblins under his command.

When asked what she felt was learned, Mother Jaelia said, "He seemed decent if not demanding." While he said he would stop invading if he acquired the volcano, would he really? Or would he just blame the volcano? No one really knew at the time.

Mother Jaelia acted as somewhat of a diplomat, honing in on her belief that as a goblin, he simply viewed the world very differently than we do. A goblin is a much more primitive and impulsive creature. Perhaps Krenze just "desired a volcano and a dragon because he saw other races with them, especially other mages with dragon-like familiars." She wondered what would become of Puppee the hyena, Krenze’s familiar, whom many people seemed to adore more than Krenze himself.

Krenze was, at one point, heard firing off his own playful puns on the [[gwethdesuan]], comparing volcanoes to canoes and touting his capability to create his own with relative ease by burning a canoe seller to see if it makes a volcano. He suggested that people are too huggy, and, ironically, in need of too much attention. His musings were followed by taunts that led some adventurers up the side of the Greater Fist, only to find Krenze disappearing down a crenellation as soon as everyone arrived, teasing that he was not giving out hugs that day.

In between battles, the keen-eyed shopper might have spotted a store named “[[Goblin Treats]]” nestled among the tents and pavilions of the most recent [[Hollow Eve Festival 447|Hollow Eve]] fairgrounds. For sale were cookies and crackers of defaced Humans, likely Zoluren nobility, delicious molten lava cakes, and seven original oil paintings of fire and brimstone, candy mountains, and Krenze's beloved hyena familiar -- all named and signed by Krenze himself. The value of his art may have since increased due to his recent (supposed) demise.

The final showdown, and possibly the last of Krenze’s threat to society, began unexpectedly in the midst of the [[447 World Jousting Tournament|World Jousting Tournament]]. While he'd mentioned hosting a Fistful of Snacks party, it wasn't supposed to happen until the following night.

There was a faint rumbling as shockwaves rippled from the Greater Fist. At the peak of the dormant volcano, a bright yellow cloud could be observed as magma slowly filled the caldera. The Greater Fist had become active! Krenze acknowledged this moment of chaos on the gwethdesuan while preparing for his upcoming reverie, vaguely explaining that a lot can go wrong with "baking."

Those who went to investigate found the footpath to the top blocked by a regiment of goblins in large numbers, an estimated many hundreds to a thousand. They were accompanied by lava golems and [[Lava drake|drakes]], [[Ember bull|ember bulls]], [[Scavenger giant|scavenger giants]], and swarms of [[Fire sprite|fire sprites]]. Thick, smoke-filled air savaged the lungs, causing coughing fits and internal wounds, and blazing droplets of fire fell from a pyroclastic ash cloud above.

I believe the first to respond was the [[Northern Watch]], who were there when I arrived and had already cut a significant swathe through the goblin force. The group appeared to be scouting the area and strategizing the best combat techniques under such ruthless conditions.

Above the volcano's summit, torrents of enchanted flames cascaded down, painting the sky with a fiery dance. The air crackled with heat as droplets of flame impacted the ground, echoing across the caldera in a symphony of elemental might. All observations indicated this was a particularly powerful storm of [[Fire Rain|fire rain]] that could not be avoided or dodged if one tarried too long in its vicinity.

We urged caution that upon feeling the storm’s heat, one must move a decent distance away immediately and seek out a safer area until the cloud focused on a fresh target. Should any of the showers of blazing flame-like droplets begin to land directly on a person's body, they would be badly injured or worse.

Among the fray that night, I noted the following people: Coethi, Allye, Mazrian, Sir Madigan, Dantia, Sozinho, Father Harsh, Jindala, Timorias, Father Maintain, Rhorgul, Salvitoriel, Lycidylia, Lanikarou, Tathalus, and one Shuya who announced his solo arrival by calling himself an army. Apologies if I missed anyone, as it was difficult to see through all the smoke.

The next evening, the one formally announced as the time and date of the “bake-off” at Krenze’s Fistful of Snacks Party, several folks were gated to the top of the crater while others found themselves blockaded yet again by the goblin companies at the path beneath the mountain. Those who made it through were not without trials as they had to figure and fight their way into a fortress Krenze had constructed above the clouds. While the moongate was open, Krenze took advantage of the opportunity to also send even more of his squads through to invade the city of Crossing, unleashing chaos everywhere, above and below.

Kaldean Lunari admitted to opening the moongate. He gave the following statement to the Herald:

“Hindsight offers a degree of clarity, and the opportunity to reflect when one’s actions go remarkably awry. One of my guiding statements has been, ‘Act wisely, but do not fail to act.’ In the moment, I neglected to add wisdom to my actions. Invaders came through the very moongate intended to usher our forces to the fiery battlefield. Thankfully, the quick thinking of Zoluren-based adventurers curtailed what otherwise would have been a disaster. I appreciate the grace shown by others as I’ve made a concerted effort to make up for the damage caused in the wake of that incident. May wisdom prevail in the future.”

According to Allye, those at the top dug their way through debris to reach the wall of the fortress, all with the risk of being hit by archers with flaming arrows. Finally inside, the group moved through a series of areas unsure of whether they were on the inside or outside of a construct-type contraption. They eventually reached a chamber that resembled the head of a giant dragon-like creature, finding Krenze there.

[A black-inked sketch is inserted between paragraphs, illustrating darkened igneous rock streaked with metallic veins. Molten rock clings to the walls with faint striations of still-cooling lava. Ridged lava flows lead upward toward the esophagus of the dragon-like beast, providing a means to climb out of the maw. In the center of what would be the diaphragm, a single pillar of obsidian extrudes into a sphere, and a pattern of dim runes is carved into its surface.]

Krenze's voice reverberated across the cyclopean chamber of the lava drake's interior, filling the cavern of cooling stone such that the goblin's speech appeared to come from every direction at once. Atop a single pillar in its center, a smooth sphere with dormant runes stood ominously, the goblin's hand comfortably resting upon it.

In the darkness, his voice was heard saying, "So, Koala Man gave me a great idea. See, he told me you found a way into another plane. So, I figured, there's gotta be one for fire, right? Why not make my own rift with burning and fire and all of the best parts of a party all at once, and use it to make sure this big ol' drake can breathe fire when I launch it? All I got to do is..."

Revealing the idea was cut short when Krenze found himself engaged in a fight. Tathalus landed a killing blow to the goblin, which was celebrated too quickly. Krenze's corpse burned into a fine pile of ash, before the outline of a flame expanded from his body. He was restored from death, and a cackle caused his mouth to shape into a wicked grin. His eyes burned like a flame. "Alive again," he said and stood back up.

In the midst of further advances, he coughed out, "You can't fight the fire." He staggered toward the mysterious rift he was still able to create despite being the throes of death. With a gesture, he widened it, and as he approached, his form appeared to distort and twist, his fingers lengthened like talons that quivered and flickered. He stood at the entrance to the rift and conjured flame that wrapped around his tiny body. Krenze said, "And now, you're all going to join me in joyous flame."

The surrounding construct continued to quiver, rock shuddering and breaking its way free of supports. The chamber felt as if it began to plummet downward. Gaining momentum, the massive lava drake launched itself upward, but failed to find purchase. Krenze cackled and staggered to sustain his footing, while mindful of the elemental rift. He harnessed the winds to his will, throwing his hand up, and a gale exploded outward! With only the slightest thought, he ignited the expanding air and sent a ring of brightly burning fire which swirled out about the chamber. The gale forced everyone out of the belly of the beast. Blown upward and out of the volcano, the group was tossed through the air clear to the base of the Fist, the blast taking those still outside the fortress with them.

From the top of the volcano, those outside saw the gargantuan lava drake begin to writhe, and it tore the spire to the ground as it scrambled to find purchase, collapsing into the volcano itself. The impact sent a shockwave out from the mountain, tossing everyone nearby into the foothills. The constructed caldera caved inwards on the top of the ridge, burying the beast and Krenze within. After a long moment, the construct did not escape, which brought a confidence that Krenze was gone, the only remnant of his threat the fine, powdery ash that filled Zoluren and Therengia.

Everyone landing in the same spot meant I was able to clearly capture the faces of all who were present that evening. The list is as follows: [[Allye]], [[Madigan|Sir Madigan]], [[Dantia]], [[Tathalus]], [[Betlind|Dame Betlind]], Lanikarou, [[Mazrian]], [[Tirost]], [[Golameth]], [[Arumis]], Father Maintain, Father Harsh, Sozinho, [[Crobin]], [[Raikage]], [[Nawain|Mother Nawain]], [[Akeiro]], Tweedee (or perhaps it was Tweedum), [[Selame]], [[Anuril]], [[Kethrai]], [[Rhadyn]], Karthor, Shuya, [[Theale]], Sofina, [[Khaelyn|Mother Khaelyn]], [[Binu]], Leustyin, Robarvo, Reynne, Purnay, [[Huebald]], Malorna, Urbaj, [[Xionara]], and myself. All fought bravely.

With the apparent death of the mighty goblin, barring any unthinkable resurrections or reincarnations, I shall be resting my pen and sword until the next story. Stay safe out there.

Sincerely,

[[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]] 
Reporter for the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=447 World Jousting Tournament,Crossing,Goblin,Goblin Treats,Greater Fist,Hollow Eve Festival 447,Krenze,Lesser Fist of Heaven,Northern Watch,Therengia,Warrior Mage,Zoluren
}}

The First Land Herald/448-05-05

2024-06-10T01:52:32Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi
|gamedate=448-05-05
|articlenumber=83
|headline=Nascent Unknown Launches Orbital Attack, Adventurers Ascend to Dismantle Weapon
|article=The phenomenon once called the [[Nascent Unknown]] settled in its orbit some weeks ago, revealing itself to be a rocky asteroid cradling a speck of churning crystal at its center. Three andaen ago, [[Moon Mage|Moon Mages]] and those watching the skies noted new, major activity from it. As reported to me by Astronomer [[Miskton]], the Unknown flashed dark blue several times, each time dislodging one or more crystals, which burned with different colors as they fell to [[Elanthia]] and appeared to perform different functions.

First, a shimmering flicker broke away, slowly drifting downward, apparently a single crystal. After a long moment, it began to glow red hot, streaking a blue and green flame as it fell. Splintering into several pieces, the pieces slammed into the eastern horizon with a flash of light, followed long moments later by a tearing sound that crescendoed into a loud but distant explosion.

Next, several flickers broke away, only this time they glowed blue and green, a tail of flame streaking behind them. These crystals suddenly shifted as they fell, changing their trajectory wildly, zigzagging during their fall. They wove a strange pattern in the sky before exploding into expanding rings that battered the clouds. Once again, a long moment later he heard the tearing explosion.

Third, a long mass broke away, lengthening as it fell. After a long moment, the tip of the mass began to glow yellow, trailing expanding rings of disturbed air. The crystal suddenly sprouted several long masses and began to spin, slowing its fall. Then the mass stopped in the sky, hovering a moment as it shed crystalline slag, and suddenly exploded into nothingness! Again, the display was followed a long moment later by a tearing sound, this time one that crescendoed into a deafening *WHOOMP*, followed by a roaring explosion.

Finally, a cloud of flickering crystal broke away, spiraling outward as radiant blue lines flickered between the masses. Swirling as they fell, the expanding net of energy pulsed along the formation, distorting and occluding the starfield behind. After a long moment, the formation erupted with flashing purple energy and vanished into nothingness, the distorted space slowly relaxing back to normal. A moment later there was a stuttering roar that crescendoed into a dull but bone-rattling *THUMP*.

What these crystal bombardments accomplished is still unclear, however the Unknown was seen afterward to be without its speck of crystal at its center.

Next, the Nascent Unknown oddly flickered back and forth in the sky. For a while it appeared several hands-breadths from its origin, vibrating and hard to track. It slowed, and settled, holding a new position further to the west.

For the following andaen, scholars pored over the possibilities, until Moon Mages felt the undeniable pull of their eyes to the skies. Prophetic senses rattling uncomfortably, they could tell something culminated, and they felt a great nexus of event outcomes tightly winding together. Buried fury seemed to come to the surface, arranged in a crystalline mosaic, and they felt the [[Crauyarin scuttler|crauyarin scuttlers]] stir.

Not long after, the Unknown erupted with dark blue light and a slender starbeam lanced upward, creating a clean line dividing the horizon. The iridescent, dark blue starbeam seemed to originate from the [[Dragon Spine Mountains|Dragonspine Mountains]] -- so, of course, that is where we went. An adventurer is always drawn to danger.

In the area typically home to the crauyarin scuttlers, we found a massive mosaic of glowing trabe crystals, nested and overlapping geometric forms strung along a fractal spiral, light pulsing from the center of the mosaic and radiating outward along the diagrams in a mesmerizing sequence. At the exact center, we found the starbeam: a perfectly circular column of light extending directly above to the Nascent Unknown. A precise line of scuttlers rapidly scurried up the starbeam, their pointed appendages rippling the surface despite bearing their weight. The scuttlers climbed upward, spiraling around the column of light, the line of movement disappearing high above. Miskton would later tell me that, as he observed the Unknown, he heard something, or someone -- no longer at the periphery, no longer whispering. They were scared, and so very angry. Yet, he got the distinct impression that they were once angry at him, and he was no longer the target of their rage.

At first I was flabbergasted. This light appeared not only to bear weight, but to be a path leading directly to an asteroid, far above where any known adventurer has traveled before! I probed it gently with my senses but caught nothing of its past or making.

I was shocked by what happened next. While I had been stunned into quiet, other adventurers leapt into action. Father Harsh was the first to try walking directly into the light -- amazingly, the scuttlers moved aside, and he was enveloped in the dark blue light, disappearing without a trace!

As I watched in awe, I noticed something else that chilled my blood. The Unknown dislodged another crystal that exhibited that red-hot glow, streaking a blue and green flame. It splintered into several pieces, and then the pieces slammed into the Dragonspine Mountains around us with a massive explostion! This asteroid was not just behaving strangely and shedding crystals, it was actively firing upon Elanthia below!

What could I do, dear reader, but follow upward?

I heard the slightest crackle as the crystal sheared around me, and I found myself encased in a small ovoid cocoon of melting and reforming crystalline light. Though the walls were toward the opaque side of translucence, I could barely make out other, similar cocoons shifting in space around mine. Without any feeling of movement, I began rising upward, the cocoon affording an obscured though complete view of the landscape. Mountains stretched below, and before long, the curvature of the planet became visible. Still, I continued upward. Elanthia spread below me, falling away into an increasingly distant landscape. The range of the familiar became a small portion of the total visible surface, though the crystalline walls were too thick to afford a clear view of the uncharted lands. At one point, I was able to make out the outline of a looming [[Katamba]], swirling with dark clouds and black craters. The cocoon darkened in the oppressive shadow-light of the nearby moon.

[A sketch is included, a breathtaking view of Elanthia from above drawn in stark black ink. The cratered face of a malevolent Katamba overshadows one side of the image, its darkness expertly rendered with increasingly dense crosshatching and pools of unadulterated ink.]

A pulsing dark blue circle became increasingly visible above, and I felt the crystal shifting, tumbling over and reorienting the destination between my feet. The dark blue circle flashed, and the crystal dissolved, setting me atop a sort of strange, rocky plinth, also decorated with an expansive, glowing crystal mosaic, as complex, geometric, and fractal as the one on Elanthia below, though I got the impression they were not identical. Dust swirled around my feet, though I noticed no breeze.

I had no time to get my bearings, though. Suddenly, a pulse of light raced along the ground. Though keeping their distance, a swarm of crauyarin and [[Avtalia scuttler|avtalia scuttlers]] nearby contorted and twisted, their bodies and patterning warping almost grotesquely. They raised their appendages and began to fight with the other scuttlers!

I noticed as well an imposing structure stretching upward from the asteroid's surface, forking into two tines, each pointed towards the distant planet above. (Yes, above!) The structure was intricately shot through with crystal, its surface adorned with translucent patterns extending upward from the ever-present mosaic stretching along the ground. Glowing streams of energy wove along the structure's contours, flowing upward. Thanks to the quick eyes of [[Qetu]], we realized that by climbing the spiraling branches encircling it, we came to an area of relative safety, the swarms of scuttlers mainly fighting each other elsewhere -- until, that is, the starburned ones beat back the unaffected ones, leaving an opening to come after us.

At the top was only what I could describe now as some kind of crystal ammunition. Dense patterns of energy flowed upward, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of dancing light. Directly above, suspended between the tines, a growing chunk of spiked crystal took form. As each surge of light emanated upward from the tines, the object alternated between being violently crushed inward and rapidly growing new facets and protrusions. The spikes jutted out with an almost chaotic precision. Crackles of dark blue energy arced between the tines and the crystal boulder, bending along strained field lines.

Disoriented, stranded on an alien asteroid surrounded by a chaotic battle and the loud churning of energies, I pulled Saragos close and shouted into his ear. What were we to do? These scuttlers were our enemies even back home, and yet it seemed we had the opportunity to choose a side here. If we chose against the Nascent Unknown, we would be ending our chance to peacefully learn from what may be a totally new civilization or life form. [[Kethrai]] overheard me, and he rightfully pointed out that we had no choice -- this thing was firing upon us. We must help the unaffected scuttlers, and we must dismantle the weapon.

[[Saragos]] and I gave each other a long, hard look of understanding. Without even discussing it, he leapt toward the unaffected scuttlers to aid them, and I moved toward the node, an incomprehensible cluster of equations written in dancing light that was clearly affecting the crystal chunk.

I joined Qetu, Kethrai, Dame [[Elurora]], Miskton, [[Ezerak]], and [[Nyrhin]] by the node, quickly discovering that we could affect it. Though the equations were far too many and varied for me to piece them together, even with my mathematical training, I saw that I could manipulate things to either add an exponent, reduce the upper limit of an integral, take the inverse of a function, or simply doodle on it my own symbols.

As I worked, I tried not to notice Saragos's arm being cut to ribbons as he reached in to shove back the starburned scuttlers again and again, ropes of muscle constantly rent and then rebuilt by the stalwart [[Empath]] [[Allye]]. Brave adventurers were fighting all around us, most rallying to shove back the starburned or rescue an unaffected scuttler here or there, with healers behind them transferring wounds at a rapid pace. A few more joined us in gathering around the node to fiddle with it. When the battle raged too hard, our hands were skewered by the enemy scuttlers and we were dragged away, only to limp our way back up the Focusing Root, as we called it. Occasionally, I could swear I heard the unaffected scuttlers repeatedly screaming something, all slurred together, which I eventually pieced together was, "IT DOES NOT HAVE PERMISSION."

I began to take note of the effects of manipulating the node. Scribing appeared useless, as we could only guess at symbols, and these quickly faded. Reducing the upper limit of an integral seemed to cut out some sort of containment field about the chunk, causing it to expand violently -- this seemed no good. We wanted to destroy the weapon, not deploy it. I considered the exponent, as this caused the chunk to shrink briefly to a pinpoint, however after one such exponent added by Kethrai, the weapon fired again on Elanthia! Perhaps it was coincidence, but it was not one I liked. I settled on turning the node to invert the functions, which caused the chunk to split along several axes. I hoped it would eventually break it entirely.

Suddenly, I felt an intense humming reverberating from the Nascent Unknown, swelling as a pressure manifested inside my skull -- first benign, but building to an intense pain that throbbed in time with the oscillating sound. I collapsed to my knees, clutching my head in anguish, until I could take no more. Just as suddenly, it was gone. I felt I had experienced something of great import, but I had no idea what it might mean. As the battle raged back into focus for me, I had the thought: Perhaps it doesn't like what we're doing.

Slowly, I began turning the node more and more, and I encouraged others to do the same. In the background I noticed Father Harsh working on raising a pile of bodies. I saw several unaffected scuttlers work together to focus a series of light pulses towards the tines and node. The scuttlers rapidly cycled through a complicated pattern, and loud screeching sound could be heard from the Focusing Root. I wondered if they were working to disable it too, or perhaps communicating with us? They seemed also to like to draw our attention to the node.

I could not be certain if my encouragement affected anyone else, or if the others had simply come to the same conclusion I had, but in time we all seemed to be turning the node. The scuttler battles raged on. Suddenly, and with a thunderous explosion, the field lines around the chunk collapsed! The node dimmed, its various symbols scattering, and the crystal chunk fell to the ground, hissing and cracking. The general feeling was one of elation, as we believed we succeeded in stopping the weapon!

We set to spelling up to eradicate the remaining starburned. They began to turn on us with an attack of blindingly bright, icy starlight, which burned and blistered. I'll never forget the sight of [[Madigan|Sir Madigan]] then, as he drew himself to full height, rallying all of us with righteous confidence and charging into battle like a star blazing through a midnight sky. With his leadership, we rose as one to the challenge, slaying those remaining. The unaffected scuttlers tore away at the crystalline barrier that prevented us from leaving, until the way was clear.

We moved deeper into the asteroid. The wide corridor was increasingly made of a translucent crystal, shot through with ever-shifting patterns and strange pictographs. Long lines of glistening, dark blue energy wound and pulsated along the corridor walls, and as the patterns seemed to almost breathe in a rhythmic thrum, waves of clarity revealed the starfield outside -- the sun, Elanthia, nearby moons, and pinpoints of distant light. Further down the corridor, the pulsations converged towards a circular portal. The area bore a strange lightness, as if each step carried me just a little too far, and familiar distances slightly shifted.

As we descended, spatial norms began to increasingly unravel. The space opened massively into an open conical bulb, the corridor walls stretching distantly away, yet, as I reached out, they were tactile and immediate. The air itself seemed to warp, wavering with the ebb and flow of the energetic flux of the corridor walls, beyond which a distorted field of stars bent and blurred. Hanging from the visible stars, striations bent and wavered, and celestial bodies made of nothing more than darkness twisted and flowed along the tapestry.

Below us hovered a perfect circle of dark blue starlight, completely opaque and still.

I was drawn to the circle, drawn downward, as everyone else stopped to view the rifts in probability. I sensed it, as if calling to me.

I descended to the deepest point. Mounted in the center of the fathomless chamber, the starlight circle hovered directly above, held in place by four crystalline pincers which seemed to emerge from nothingness and delicately clasped the circle's edge. From every angle the object appeared as a perfect, dark blue circle. The distant walls were barely visible, dissolving into near total transparency, through which a field of stars burned brightly, albeit arranged in a configuration unknown to any starchart I had ever glimpsed. There was movement in the distance, winding bulges in the darkness that pushed at the visible objects.

[A sketch is included, this time in a midnight blue ink, the minor difference from the usual black creating an almost startling contrast. A circle is drawn, deeply inked, slight striations belying the steadiness of the hand that drew it, as if the pen were pressed ever deeper with each revolution.]

I was arrested by it. Stopped in my tracks, consumed. The past twisted and opened around me.

The past expanded, excised itself from any notions of causality or linearity, and I watched as stars underwent a backwards and forwards cycle of collapsing under their own weight, burning brighter, then erupting into a cloud of diffuse gas, with all points occurring simultaneously. The dark blue circle nearby, I knew then, is not a moment in time, it is an [[Involuted Passage]], roaming the cosmos and epochs for -- I found I could not say, though gleaming civilizations rendered into starburned dust rapidly flickered before my view. The circle, I was certain, has shaped and molded many things in its journey, though the aesthetic is difficult to understand.

Somehow I also knew that, eons in the past, the circle reacted to my observation and was confused, rippling as it dug into the when upon which it rested, and in eons to come, it prepared for my arrival up the starbeam, readying its story.

Reeling from the circularity of it all, I found myself stumbling, stammering answers to what felt like too many questions. I don't recall how I managed to exit the asteroid, or what happened to it. Fortunately the steady hand of my spouse was on my shoulder when I returned to myself, and he was able to tell me what occurred.

He told me of the rifts of shifting probabilities and their strange views. Since I don't think these are recorded elsewhere, I will do my best to describe them here as he told them to me. There were five in total.

~ The First Rift: The Darkness ~
Peering into the first rift revealed nothing. There was nothing but endless darkness, and he immediately began to feel a deep chill. The rift seemed to expand, and he found himself unable to look away. Something shifted against or above the void, a winding bulge pushing against and distorting the image. The movement began to spiral towards him, and with some effort he averted his eyes. The rift rippled, but seemed otherwise unchanged. He had no sense of where or what this vantage may be viewing.

~ The Second Rift: Mathematical Fields ~
He was almost unable to look into the second, blinding rift. Blue-white light poured from the edges and surface of the opening, momentarily solid before evaporating into a fine cloud. Arcing field lines bent and billowed in toroidal loops, riddled with mathematical equations which flickered in and out of view, their described harmonic resonance and descriptive transformations fleetingly sensible then immediately foreign. He was left with the impression that this rift provided an incomprehensibly distant vantage.

~ The Third Rift: The Dragon Planet ~
Peering into the third rift, he saw a binary star system, the pair orbiting one another in a perpetual dance. At the bottom of the vantage rotated an icy planet, rung with lights. A sinuous dragon-like creature hovered nearby, snarling in his direction. He was left with the impression that this rift provided a fairly distant vantage.

~ The Fourth Rift: Grey Elanthia ~
In the fourth rift, he saw a field of mostly familiar stars, brightly singing with rippling silver and gold as they shifted closer into the constellations of the night sky. At the bottom of the vantage rotated Elanthia, its landscape dotted with craters and grey oceans. He was left with the impression that this rift provided a very close vantage.

~ The Fifth Rift: The Burnt Planet ~
In the fifth rift, he saw a field of stars arranged in a completely foreign orientation, absent any familiar constellations. At the bottom of the vantage rotated a burnt planet crisscrossed with smoldering flames and a crackling purple miasma, barely illuminated by a bloated orange sun. He was left with the impression that this rift provides a nearby vantage.

Saragos tells me that the rules of space began to unravel soon after the group viewed the rifts. He felt briefly nauseated as the visible distance to his hands wildly snapped between fathoms and a mere hair's breadth. He stumbled, his feet unable to occupy the space directly above the ground. The stars outside began to bleed, wobbling like wet paint. One star, unremarkable and not part of any constellation, erupted with light.

A wild energy began to build, and he was left with the impression that it was very much time to go. A thrum was escalating around the area, winding up and then down with constant periodicity. The group quickly made its way back to the starbeam. Suddenly, a blinding flash of dark blue light filled the area, and he felt himself thrown to the ground. When his vision cleared, he found that everyone had been transported back to the crystal mosaic in the area where the scuttlers live on Elanthia. A brilliant flash of dark blue light erupted across the sky and then, it seemed, the Involuted Passage was gone.

It seems we succeeded, though I've never before felt quite so uncertain about just what we succeeded at, or if it was even a success. Still, I am grateful to continue on with the life I have built here, with no foreign asteroid shooting crystals at my homeland. Perhaps Allye put it best when she said, "I am very glad Elanthia is not a starburned husk. Despite not knowing quite exactly what happened, I'm very glad to be here with you all now and not floating with space centipedes, untethered and planetless."

I am overall relieved, but more may be to come. Our esteemed Visionist Miskton once again warned us of a vision that has come to him, this time of a large chunk of crystal on the ocean floor. It was fractured and vibrated slightly, contracting and then violently expanding much like the crystal chunk on the Involuted Passage. So it may be that the pieces fired upon us yet have a role to play. As always, the Herald will follow the story and report it to you, dear reader.

For now, I stand in relief, gratitude, and awe before an expansive universe we can never hope to fully understand.

Stay safe,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]] 
True Bard, Zoluren's Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Avtalia scuttler, Crauyarin scuttler, Dragonspine Mountains, Elanthia, Involuted Passage, Katamba, Moon Mage, Nascent Unknown
}}

The First Land Herald/448-02-21

2024-02-26T00:16:25Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Ruea,
|gamedate=448-02-21
|articlenumber=82
|headline=Hound Chepiso Overreaches, New Law on Necromancy Enacted
|article=[[Chepiso]], a Human [[Paladin]] and self proclaimed Warrior Zealot of the [[Hounds of Rutilor]], became active on the [[Gwethdesuan|gweth]] over the last few weeks. Speaking out against [[Necromancer|Necromancy]] and obsessively decrying anyone who supported it, he took control of the Hounds in order to strike down anyone he deemed guilty. His attacks began in [[Zoluren]], then took to [[Ilithi]].

Within Zoluren, Chepiso raided the home of [[Komiro|Admiral Komiro Chelochi]], admiral of the Zoluren Navy, and killed him. Admiral Komiro recovered from his death.

Later, an extended skirmish took place between Chepiso and many defenders on the East Bridge of [[Shard]], during which he was struck down three times while decrying as supporters those who did not attack Necromancers on sight.

Three days later, he reappeared in the [[Crossing]] Town Square, stating a willingness to "entreat a conversation." This gave way to violence quickly. Several were struck down and others dragged away.

Admiral Komiro arrived on horseback and took control of the situation, binding the zealot in a crystalline lattice.

Komiro remanded Chepiso to the Hounds and read an edict stating, "The Hounds of Rutilor will no longer execute individuals suspected of Necromancy in the street. The Hounds will be permitted to operate only when actual Necromancy has been observed." The edict has been ratified by the [[Zoluren High Council]], the [[Belirendrick IV|Crown]], the [[Crossing High Temple|Temple]], and will be distributed to other provinces to sign.

The Hounds then put Chepiso to death by building a pyre in the Town Square and purifying him with fire. His death was witnessed by over a dozen people. Many reported an unseen force tugging his body upwards, allowing radiant cracks to reveal the blackened flaws in his soul before it was overwhelmed with light and ascended to the heavens. It is this reporter's belief that he returned from death, but his once-Paladin soul was stripped of its sanctification.

I asked for comments on the situation by some who were present at these events. [[Empath]] [[Kethrai]] said, "Chepiso is a dangerous fanatic who refused to temper justice with mercy. But his treatment at the hands of his own Hounds was excessively vicious. It shows his subordinates to have that same blind spot, even if they are for now brought to heel."

[[Ayrell]] commented, "As for [Chepiso] meeting his end despite the efforts to reason with him, it is unfortunate that his mind was so warped into believing his methods were sound that he refused to see that the actions he took to thwart evil made him a different sort of evil in the process."

Sincerely,

[[Ruea|Ruea Shai'lin]] 
Assistant Reporter of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Belirendrick IV,Chepiso,Crossing,Crossing High Temple,Gwethdesuan,Hounds of Rutilor,Ilithi,Komiro,Necromancer,Paladin,Shard,Zoluren,Zoluren High Council
}}

The First Land Herald/447-06-30

2024-02-26T00:09:07Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=447-06-30
|articlenumber=81
|headline=Nascent Unknown Finalizes Form, Second Colossus Attacks
|article=This past night, at one of the regular [[Miskton/Logs/20231209 Visions|Visions meetings]] hosted by Philomath [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]], Miskton revealed that he noticed a new change in the celestial phenomenon known as the [[Nascent Unknown]].

He said, "A short while ago, I felt something rattle my prophetic senses and pulling my attention to the skies. I felt something change, and a sense of being observed. Looking up, it seems that the Nascent Unknown has finished moving into position, and is now changing form. To describe how it currently looks, for those of you unable to see through the cloud cover: Swirling and slightly precessing, surrounded with long whorls of pulsating dark blue light which spiral inward, the body appears to be pulling itself into a tight point. It continues to grow ever brighter as it periodically - though without any observable pattern - flashes with angry white intensity. Both astronomers and astrologers are in agreement that it seems to be nearing the end of some kind of sequence, however there is still not much consensus on exactly what it is, or what it is preparing to do."

When I asked Miskton what he personally makes of the phenomenon, he answered, "It gives more and more the impression of being some sort of weapon. It's possible that it's not meant for physical destruction, if it's preparing some sort of magical effect, but that still leaves plenty of unpleasant possibilities." I suggested that it reminded me of a portal, though I noted that it would be odd for a portal-opening device to travel a great distance to us. Miskton replied, "It getting smaller and, presumably, more focused, makes the portal thought seem less likely to me now."

When [[Kolanem]] of the [[Merelew]] visited us at the sinking of [[Andreshlew]] recently, he also spoke briefly about the Unknown and the Merelew scholars' opinions of it. He referred to it as the "Long Throw" and said that, at the time, it appeared to still be evolving. He said he believed their name for it came from its appearance. "Look at the thing, it looks like a spear aimed right for us." At the Visions meeting, [[Huebald]] added, "If I'm remembering right, they said the leviathans didn't remember seeing anything like it before neither."

Ultimately, the phenomenon has become no less disturbing. Please, dear readers, continue to prepare in case evacuation is needed.

On a separate note, last andu another voltaic colossus invaded the [[Crossing]], again accompanied by warforged voltaic custodians. I was feeling poorly at the time, so I was not able to take notes with my usual ability, but I did manage to find another hole in the colossus's leg to climb into, and once again set about with other adventurers in the task of dismantling the construct from within. When the job was completed, it liquified into a frozen lightning bolt in the sky in the same manner as the previous colossus.

Of note, [[Dantia]] reported that someone died in the attack "when trying to cast something electrical at the [[Lightning selrek|selrek]]." A reminder: the custodians are immune to electricity, and the selreks can turn it back on you in spectacularly deadly ways.

[[Uryutis|Scholar of the Grove Uryutis]] joined us after the colossus was vanquished. "There were Custodians in the chest cavity this time. Perhaps an improvement from last time?" He urged us to notice if anything else was different, requesting notes be sent to him, but I admit I could think of nothing myself. Still, the fact that it was improved at all is certainly concerning. These machines are learning.

With trepidation,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]] 
Planesweaver, True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald 
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Andreshlew,Astrology,Crossing,Ilithi,Kolanem,Lightning selrek,Merelew,Miskton,Moon Mage,Nascent Unknown
}}

The First Land Herald/447-06-30

2024-02-26T00:07:31Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

The First Land Herald/447-06-30

2024-02-26T00:06:11Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=447-06-30
|articlenumber=81
|headline=Nascent Unknown Finalizes Form, Second Colossus Attacks
|article=This past night, at one of the regular [[https://elanthipedia.play.net/Miskton/Logs/20231209_Visions|Visions meetings]] hosted by Philomath [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]], Miskton revealed that he noticed a new change in the celestial phenomenon known as the [[Nascent Unknown]].

He said, "A short while ago, I felt something rattle my prophetic senses and pulling my attention to the skies. I felt something change, and a sense of being observed. Looking up, it seems that the Nascent Unknown has finished moving into position, and is now changing form. To describe how it currently looks, for those of you unable to see through the cloud cover: Swirling and slightly precessing, surrounded with long whorls of pulsating dark blue light which spiral inward, the body appears to be pulling itself into a tight point. It continues to grow ever brighter as it periodically - though without any observable pattern - flashes with angry white intensity. Both astronomers and astrologers are in agreement that it seems to be nearing the end of some kind of sequence, however there is still not much consensus on exactly what it is, or what it is preparing to do."

When I asked Miskton what he personally makes of the phenomenon, he answered, "It gives more and more the impression of being some sort of weapon. It's possible that it's not meant for physical destruction, if it's preparing some sort of magical effect, but that still leaves plenty of unpleasant possibilities." I suggested that it reminded me of a portal, though I noted that it would be odd for a portal-opening device to travel a great distance to us. Miskton replied, "It getting smaller and, presumably, more focused, makes the portal thought seem less likely to me now."

When [[Kolanem]] of the [[Merelew]] visited us at the sinking of [[Andreshlew]] recently, he also spoke briefly about the Unknown and the Merelew scholars' opinions of it. He referred to it as the "Long Throw" and said that, at the time, it appeared to still be evolving. He said he believed their name for it came from its appearance. "Look at the thing, it looks like a spear aimed right for us." At the Visions meeting, [[Huebald]] added, "If I'm remembering right, they said the leviathans didn't remember seeing anything like it before neither."

Ultimately, the phenomenon has become no less disturbing. Please, dear readers, continue to prepare in case evacuation is needed.

On a separate note, last andu another voltaic colossus invaded the [[Crossing]], again accompanied by warforged voltaic custodians. I was feeling poorly at the time, so I was not able to take notes with my usual ability, but I did manage to find another hole in the colossus's leg to climb into, and once again set about with other adventurers in the task of dismantling the construct from within. When the job was completed, it liquified into a frozen lightning bolt in the sky in the same manner as the previous colossus.

Of note, [[Dantia]] reported that someone died in the attack "when trying to cast something electrical at the [[Lightning selrek|selrek]]." A reminder: the custodians are immune to electricity, and the selreks can turn it back on you in spectacularly deadly ways.

[[Uryutis|Scholar of the Grove Uryutis]] joined us after the colossus was vanquished. "There were Custodians in the chest cavity this time. Perhaps an improvement from last time?" He urged us to notice if anything else was different, requesting notes be sent to him, but I admit I could think of nothing myself. Still, the fact that it was improved at all is certainly concerning. These machines are learning.

With trepidation,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]] 
Planesweaver, True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald 
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Nascent Unknown,Ilithi,Moon Mage,Astrology
}}

The First Land Herald/446-09-02

2024-02-24T02:07:08Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-09-02
|articlenumber=80
|headline=Nascent Unknown Settles Into Orbit
|article=Court Mage [[Miskton]] today held a Town Hall meeting in [[Shard]] to discuss the latest happenings in [[Ilithi]]. In the middle of his presentation, something caught my eye above. Darkewolff told us that he received word from a [[Moon Mage]] that they felt like they were being watched, to which Miskton replied, "Yes, that's what drew my attention to look up."

The skies were clear enough to reveal the anomaly even to my eyes. See below.

[A sketch is included of a coalescing whorl, expansive rings of light emanating from it. Tiny notes indicate its coloration as dark blue, and that it continues to pulsate, is growing in luminosity, and the rings about it are expanding and shedding harsh light.]

The astronomer went on to describe it to me from his perspective. He said, "Continuing to develop, this body has now achieved a synchronous orbit with [[Elanthia]], maintaining a fixed position in the sky... As it orbits, it appears to be moving and orienting itself. The sensation that is coming to mind is looking at the shaft of a notched and drawn arrow. It looks like, for the moment, it's still fine tuning its position, but I don't know how long that's going to take."

I urge all my readers to make an emergency plan in case this [[Nascent Unknown|Unknown]] proves to house some sort of hostile entity or entities, or otherwise poses a threat to us. Stockpile supplies, and prepare a place to stay underground. Dame [[Elurora]] had the interesting suggestion to prepare the [[Crossing High Temple|Crossing Temple's]] shield in case of danger, though I am uncertain if it can be mobilized so quickly. I approached [[Kssarh]] for comment and found him frowning as he stared at the sky. When prompted, I was forcefully expelled from his office, the door slamming in my face.

Stay safe,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]] 
Planesweaver, True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald 
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Nascent Unknown,Ilithi,Moon Mage,Astrology
}}

The First Land Herald/447-07-26

2024-02-24T02:03:58Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-07-26
|articlenumber=79
|headline=New Knowledge Discovered of Custodians, Lightning Spider
|article=Today, [[Saragos]] and I welcomed a group of intrepid researchers into the [[Zengmodaleth]], the Plane of Electricity. Our aim was to encounter a [[Lesser voltaic custodian|voltaic custodian]] under peaceful conditions, in order to study it with the variety of senses available to the various guilds.

We were greeted by none other than [[Uryutis|Grove Scholar Uryutis]], whose interest in our experiments has been unwavering. Before we began, he wanted to discuss with us something unnerving he noticed about the recent colossus that attacked the Crossing (See FLH 446-06-18). As we stood beside the plasma vortex in the Zengmodaleth - a caged sphere of rapidly spinning purple energy, contained by four [[oravir]] pylons - he spoke of the one we saw within the head of the colossus. That one, he pointed out, had only two pylons containing it - yet his research clearly indicated four as a bare minimum.

In Uryutis's own words: "So if you look at this plasma vortex, you may notice its containment pylons. There are four. That isn't itself precisely a function of the size of this vortex, which is rather large as far as they come. While larger and larger vortices do require more containment, there being four pylons is a fundamental *minimum* required to contain the thing.

So here's the somewhat rough imagery - imagine a point. A single point. Now turn it sideways, and you can see that the point is actually a line. Now twist that line yet again, and you can see that the point is actually a square. Twist the point again, and now the square is a cube... The plasma vortices require four containment pylons, because they occupy four twists in the Aether backing. The immense energy is not merely stored and compressed in space as we know it, it is also stored, quite deeply I may add, against the Aether.

So, you may recall, the colossus only had two pylons. I cannot reconcile that in any way shape or form... somehow, *somehow*, the custodians have built a colossus, which is itself appalling and shocking and weird, and *SOMEHOW*, they have enclosed and stabilized a plasma vortex with two pylons.

Of course, this revelation prompted a number of hypotheses from the audience, too many to list here. I encourage interested parties to reach out to Saragos, myself, or anyone else who was present.

Upon further probing, Uryutis spoke more about the functioning of the plasma vortex. "The function of holding the sphere in place is mostly a safety matter, in the same way a hot stove holding coals in place not only serves to extract the heat from the coals, but also keep a fool from grabbing them. Move the pylons, somehow, and the sphere will move along with them." He also warned us not to only think about "the physical space we occupy," but rather, "the Aetheric space we rest upon." He added, "Mind you, the best we can muster is four pylons containing a strikingly smaller plasma vortex than the one here. Our exercises in scaling up require additional containment pylons primarily to manage the energy levels, not manage the stability of the vortex. I personally can't manage anything larger than a pinhead, by way of comparison, and I'm not half bad at these manipulations."

It seemed time to begin our experimenting. The Fearless [[Crobin]] volunteered to scout ahead while Mother [[Jaelia]] prepared for us a prayer to the great [[Firulf]], whose grove we believe we had entered. She prepared three altar candles - for the three aspects - and rose her voice in a mighty prayer to the Lord of Elements. Later she would tell me that He was with us, though with interesting caveats. "He approved of our ceremony... He has no sway over this plane, but He would lend whatever He could to us. But this - I am not sure this is 'His domain' directly. I don't know how His power and influence work here. I don't know that He has control over things here directly."

Crobin saw nothing of particular interest, and Sir [[Imroth]] and I went ahead to prepare the area. Sir Imroth summoned a foreboding [[Banner of Truce]], somehow dripping phantasmal blood, that promised peace, and the rest of the group moved in.

Our first order of business was for the [[Bard|Bards]] present to focus on evoking the history of the custodians. With concentrated effort, many of us were able to pierce the veil of the past. I suddenly felt the weight of an incomprehensibly distant past long settled into familiar patterns: a watchmaker's craft, wound and set along its clockwork course. The factory ceaselessly produced, imbued with a single purpose of the quota, its craft refined and pared until there was nothing further that could be improved. It was forgotten, the [[Lord of the Void|Lords of the Void]] having no need to revisit, the custodians proficient in their task.

And then, one day, the routine changed - a single custodian freezing in its task, studying its surroundings. Perfectly functional, the custodian bore no defects or worn components, and after a moment it continued about its endeavors. Time ground on, and the labor continued.

Clearly, we had seen the very first custodian to vary its behavior. As we discussed the potential meaning of this vision, I noticed a single custodian behaving oddly. (Or was it several at different times? So difficult to tell.) First, it merely approached us and then receded back into the general traffic of the facility. Then, it approached again, chirruped several times, then returned to the flow. The third time, it involuted into a tight bolus of electricity. A fine, hair-like electrical storm flared outward from the custodian and it rolled backwards before leaving again.

Finally, it approached again and seemed to glance back and forth, focusing on individuals present. The custodian shuddered oddly, and with surprising speed, rushed over to the metal maw we were standing near and engulfed the opening in a web of electricity with a loud *BZRAAAAP*! The metal maw opened and shut twice, then suddenly froze, gaping wide around a large cube. The cube was stuck slightly askew, holding the maw open and allowing a slight gap beyond.

Normally, this maw is where custodians gather processed materials, placing them inside as it regularly slams shuts and opens again, revealing an empty chamber. Ordinarily it is impossible to get a glance inside further, but the stuck mechanism allowed an opportunity. One the [[Warrior Mage|Warrior Mages]] were all too eager to take. Several pulled out talismans and sent their smaller [[Familiar|familiars]] through the gap!

I interviewed Veteran Apprentice [[Anuril|Anuril's]] cat familiar, known as "The Captain," about his journey inside the maw. He said, "Look, I knew it was a fool's errand from the start. But I was promised a promotion. And fish! With the other members of the Northern Watch there, I could hardly back down. [[Madigan]] looks up to me, you see. So, in I went." He told me that the cramped space was surprisingly narrow, and the walls crackled with energy. A sort of 'rush' raced past him in a pulse every second, disorienting him. Far to the west, the passage vanished to a narrow horizon point. The cube that partially blocked the entrance was made of an unidentifiable material. He raced west, once hearing an odd echo hammering above him.

At the end of the hallway, a pink-green light billowed around him, and zig-zagging tendrils of electricity raced along the walls of the corridor. A strange creation of lightning and too many legs began to coalesce, solidifying into what could only be described as a lightning spider! The spider roared like rolling thunder and rushed forward, tearing him apart. [[Woten]] confirmed that his familiar saw it too, and it bore purple fangs and "dozens of unblinking eyes."
A similar fate befell the other poor familiars who entered the maw, which soon emitted a loud *CLANG* and slammed shut again, a dull clanging indicating something very large then receded rapidly away from the opening.

A custodian (the same one as before?) circled around the group, pausing, motionless, as it studied its surroundings, studied us. After a moment, it returned to its duties.

Undeterred by the terrible violence done to our friendly Aetheric allies, the group decided to press ahead with study. Heart Tender [[Kethrai]] and Bastion of Life Karthor reported that their probes of life essence within the custodians revealed nothing of note. "Not surprisingly, the custodians feel like a construct usually does," said Karthor. Kethrai agreed, "No life essence within them."

Hunter [[Hanryu]] also searched the area for any tracks, but found nothing unusual. Saragos asked [[Paladin|Paladins]] and [[Redeemed]] to focus their senses on the structure of the plane, looking for instability. Dawnsworn [[Briaen]] reported, "I can only note that there's a blend of potent [[mana]] of many types here. Life, Holy, Arcane, and Elemental all appear blinding to me." (Kethrai did note that he had raised the Life mana.). Sir Imroth said, "Nothing of note that I can sense."

Finally, I led the Bards and Saragos led the Warrior Mages in a probing of the custodians via [[Othersight]], an ability that senses the Aether of an area or subject in order to discover disturbances, changes, or patterns. Observing the flow of custodians, I was reminded of an orchestra, a multitude of instruments played in harmony, manifesting a beautiful song. I briefly sensed strange energies and patterns, and for a fleeting moment, heard the greater melodies, and importantly, a singular interruption, a note played intentionally off-tune. Saragos told me that he was reminded of an anthill, a steady stream of simple instructions manifesting a larger purpose. He also sensed the strange energies and saw briefly a singular interruption in the greater shape of activities, like an imperfection in the schematic.
We ended the experiment with a brief discussion of what we had learned and what it could all mean. Given how productive our studies were, we have much to think on and put together. I encourage all intrepid researchers to use the information reported here to form your own hypotheses, so that we may find new ways to test them. Time is of the essence, as I fear the custodians are busy working on the next iteration of their own work.

Scientific knowledge is in perpetual evolution, and so are they.

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]] 
Planesweaver, True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald 
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Lesser voltaic custodian,Lightning selrek,Orichalcum,Plane of Electricity,Planes,Uryutis,Zengmodaleth
}}

The First Land Herald/446-06-18

2023-09-03T20:04:08Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-06-18
|articlenumber=78
|headline=Mechanical Colossus Rampages Through the Crossing
|article=Recently, [[Saragos]] and I hosted a lecture on "The Problem of the Custodians," during which we were attempting to outline the issues we and other researchers have discovered in the [[Plane of Electricity]]. Particularly, we discussed the serious malfunctioning of the constructs known as [[Lesser voltaic custodian|voltaic custodians]]: balls of lightning wrapped about [[orichalcum]] coils, which locomote on numerous branching "limbs" of electricity and tend to the structure and mechanics of the aforementioned Plane. Worryingly, [[Moon Mage]] visions predicted these constructs were building a mechanical being of immense proportions.

I'll spare you the lecture details, though do reach out if you have an interest, but bring it up only to reveal that the very subjects of our lecture appeared at that exact moment in a most violent manner. We suddenly felt our mouths fill with an intensifying taste of copper, and the air felt charged, seeming to crackle with electricity. Grove Scholar [[Uryutis]] stared to the north with bizarre intensity, perhaps using Othersight. He quickly grew wide-eyed with surprise and worry, then ran out, reporting to us via the [[Gwethdesuan|gweth]], "Stars above, they've slipped another restraint and sent something. It approaches from the [[northern trade route]]! Guard the northeast gate!"

Saragos made it to the gate in time, and he reported to me that he saw none other than an impossibly large, metallic colossus leap high into the air, clearing the northern walls of the [[Crossing]] and soaring deep into the city! The ground rumbled with its heavy landing.

[A sketch is included of the colossus as it towers over the buildings of the Crossing, its form bristling with metallic rods that dance with electrical current. Sheets of a black alloy overlap to form impenetrable armor, intricately shaped and welded to provide protection. Bearing a curiously passive face, the Colossus stares at its surroundings through burning and crackling eyes, which a tiny notation indicates are "deep green lightning."]

He immediately ran after it, discovering it on Magen Road, limping on a damaged leg. Shortly after, surrounding the colossus, a swarm of new voltaic custodians that I can only describe as "warforged" leapt into being with a loud snap. They appeared to spin as they gathered power, and they unleashed multiple blasts of electricity at once at their targets, much like the [[Gar Zeng]] spell, though the blasts seemed eerily prehensile. They are also known to cast [[Tingle]].

I saw a small number of [[Lightning selrek|lightning selreks]] as well, one of which sprang, as seen before, from the inanimate, ruined coil of a felled custodian. As reported previously (see [[The First Land Herald/437-08-17|FLH 437-08-17]]), I also once witnessed a selrek grow in size and stature, fuzzing in and out of existence as it swelled. Clouds of dust became whisked along myriad converging lines of unseen force, into perfectly ordered loops extending from the selrek. In rapid succession, objects, debris, and people took flight around it, each flung up to a block away.

The colossus itself was not inactive, pounding the ground to shake the area and even kicking hapless victims. [[Kethrai]] was one such victim, telling me, "It was damaged when it landed, and I was pretty sure I saw a way to climb up its leg and get inside. I guess it didn't like me getting fresh, because it booted me right in the chest. Joke's on the colossus though, that just put its foot in reach."

Quickly adventurers realized that the damaged leg of the colossus bore an opening to its insides, and many climbed the leg to reach the interior. Due to the immense size of the construct, it was easy to pass through the various parts of its insides, including ankle, leg, torso, shoulders, arms, "hands," and head. I say "hands" because these areas terminated instead in deadly tools: a huge lightning hammer and a bay full of inert custodians, sliding doors ready to open presumably to dump them into our fair streets. Many of the internal areas contained contraptions clearly useful either to the functioning of the colossus or its weaponry, so it was no surprise that everyone set about disabling these as best they could.

Eventually, [[Uryutis]] cried out to us via gweth, "The defenses are disabled, destroy the nexus in the head!" At this point, I saw that the way to the head was clear, and I ascended to find a huge plasma vortex: a caged sphere of rapidly spinning purple, screeching as it lashed against two curved pylons. Thunder rattled the area as jagged bolts of filamentous lightning unfurled from the vortex. We pushed and pulled at the containment pylons, debris growing hot and erupting in a haze of electricity as we worked, the vortex shedding sparks. Occasionally, a massive arc of electricity would rip into a pylon and surge into the walls, leaving a jagged pattern of glowing metal that briefly shed heat and flakes of hammerscale.

Eventually, [[Dantia]] made the final blow against one of the pylons, raking debris across it until it destabilized and began to melt. The plasma vortex spun faster, an oval, then a disc, and began to crackle with uncontained energies, slagging the other pylon in the process. Uryutis urged us, "The containment pylons have been destroyed, the nexus is destabilizing! Get out, get out NOW!"

We rushed back down, tearing through the various control and storage areas to find the breach in the thigh where we had entered. Once safely outside and at ground level, we witnessed the death of the colossus from a safe distance. Flashes of light grew brighter and brighter, rapidly spinning within the colossus and blazing outward like a strange lighthouse. Its head and neck began to glow a dull red, a deafening screen erupting from it, red growing brighter as blinding light ripped from the faceplate and shone brilliantly through gaps in the neck. A dull thump of displaced air resounded from the colossus, and in an instant the blinding display terminated, leaving bizarre afterglows in my vision and a ringing in my ears. All was strangely silent and still.

Then, with a deafening roar, a disk of purple energy lanced outward from the colossus's head, an expanding ring of crackling energy billowing with no-color plumes and whorls. The ring arced upward, forming a sphere of blinding light that coalesced into a point high above the colossus, and a massive bolt of lightning erupted upward, branching high into the sky and freezing in place. The colossus glowed white hot and began to blur upward, its form liquefying and lifting into the frozen lightning bolt above. After a moment, it had vanished!

What a spectacular display. There would be no harvesting of titanium and [[cambrinth]] from the massive being, no months of dismantling. It was gone in an instant, teleported as if by [[Lunar magic]], only instead it was clearly lightning. I do not yet know what to make of that, dear reader.

Of course, the appearance of this extremely dangerous construct only strengthens my resolve to continue to research [[Planes|Planar]] mechanics and the workings of the custodians. We must find a way to stop this. We must right whatever is wrong in the Plane of Electricity. I believe [[Daervlan]], and now [[Elanthia|the world]], are counting on us.

By the light of discovery shall we prevail.

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]
True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Cambrinth,Crossing,Daervlan,Elanthia,Gar Zeng,Gwethdesuan,Lesser voltaic custodian,Lightning selrek,Lunar magic,Moon Mage,Northern Trade Route,Orichalcum,Plane of Electricity,Planes,Tingle,Uryutis,Zengmodaleth
}}

The First Land Herald/446-04-38

2023-09-03T19:51:49Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-04-38
|articlenumber=77
|headline=Nascent Unknown Evolves Further
|article=During [[Miskton/Logs/20230812 Visions|the most recent Visions meeting]], hosted by [[Ilithi|Ilithi's]] Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]], something caught our eye from above. Although I was unable to see anything through the clouds, Miskton of course was able to use his enhanced sight. He reported that the celestial phenomenon called the [[Nascent Unknown]] had once again changed. He said, "Presently it appears as a vibrating whorl of pulsating dark blue light, fringed with radiating lines which sharply arc into nearly complete, expanding, fading, rings. It also appears to be gaining speed, and despite the fact that it appears around the same size, it gives me the sense of being closer. And an unsettling impression that it is focused on [[Elanthia]]." He clarified that, while previously it was clearly heading toward our solar system, now it is definitely coming for our planet in particular.

Miskton opined that perhaps it is the same size, yet closer, because it is either condensing, or losing mass somehow. He thought that maybe the expanding rings were evidence that it was shedding something, so shrinking that way. [[Anuril]] posited that it might be "lengthening relative to our viewpoint, becoming like an arrow."

Miskton mentioned that there may be a way to calculate its time to arrival, perhaps necessary in order to warn people to evacuate the local area.

This phenomenon's approach is certainly ominous, especially given that we still have no clue what it might be. I encourage all denizens of Elanthia to remain wary and prepare evacuation supplies.

In solidarity,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]
True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Astrology,Elanthia,Ilithi,Moon Mage,Miskton,Nascent Unknown,
}}

The First Land Herald/446-03-06

2023-09-03T19:46:50Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-03-06
|articlenumber=76
|headline=Vela'tohr Activity Inspires New Empath Spell
|article=An unnamed [[Empath]] scholar recently visited the [[Crossing]] Empath guild to reveal the guild's latest discovery: a spell called [[Embrace of the Vela'tohr]]. The scholar explained to the gathering in the courtyard that the guild's [[vela'tohr plant]] has recently displayed some new behavior. Several tiny saplings have been observed emerging from the ground, which appear to be shy and withdraw immediately. He said, "We are not sure if those saplings are extensions of this vela'tohr plant, or if the plant managed to spread seeds It does not appear to have flowered, though I think somewhat little is even known about its flowering processes." He reassured the group that the plant is safe and healthy, and stated that only the Empath guild plant is exhibiting signs of saplings and new behaviors.

The new behavior inspired the creation of a new spell: Embrace of the Vela'tohr. It allows the Empath to mimic the wondrous vela'tohr plants, creating an ethereal plant that remains at the cast location and heals any non-Empath (and only non-Empath) that touches it. The plant's creator may in turn heal the plant, either in its original location, or the creator may recast the spell to summon the plant to them. When the plant reaches its healing limit, it will dissipate until recast in order to be healed. The scholar later added, "The physiology of the plant differs from that of a quadruped. You may have to experiment to see how wounds transfer." However, regardless, the Empath will learn about Empathy from healing the plant, similar to if they had healed the original patient themselves.

The scholar further stated, "Curiously, the spell pattern requires a shred of the caster's [[Empathy skill|Empathy]], and accordingly, will only allow the Empath who cast the spell to heal the plant. Obviously, the plant will not allow itself to be touched by individuals who pursue [[Necromancer|Necromancy]]." He later clarified that only an Empath may cast the spell, and only one whose Empathic abilities are largely intact. The spell also costs only [[mana]], not [[vitality]].

"The vela'tohr are largely enigmatic, and we do not fully understand their desires or ways. It is our belief, and indeed our hope, that we will heal the land and their population with every cast of this spell." The scholar later wondered whether the vela'tohr returning to some of the harmed locations of the world may help those areas in particular.

He further explained that the vela'tohr appear to be communal by nature, and whenever two or more created plants are in the same area, they will seek one another out and form a thicket. "Presumably the vela'tohr just enjoy one another's company, perhaps seeking safety or shelter together."

As for the form of the plant, the scholar confirmed that customization would be possible. "The pattern bears similarities to the [[Circle of Sympathy]] spell, so it is possible that people may customize elements of the pattern." He also clarified that the plant is not made of Aether, but rather said, "They appear ethereal, as in, delicate, light, made of magical energies."

Surprisingly, Guildleader [[Salvur]] was not present at the discussion, despite his known expertise and interest in the vela'tohr. The Herald reached out to him for further comment, and he simply smiled and said "Maybe they'll find peace."

Congratulations to the Empaths for such an astonishing and useful discovery!

In community,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]
True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Circle of Sympathy,Crossing,Embrace of the Vela'tohr,Empath,Empathy skill,Mana,Necromancer,Salvur,Vela'tohr plant,Vitality
}}

The First Land Herald/445-09-01

2023-07-13T02:45:20Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Ruea,
|gamedate=445-09-01
|articlenumber=74
|headline=Mountain Guard Assassinations
|article=The [[Mountain Guard]] of [[Ilithi]] was attacked by [[Kasizva]] and an invasion of mercenaries, thugs, and ruffians during their recent patrol.

Guard Leader [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine]] and thirteen members of the Guard left from [[Milene's Rose Inn|Milene's Rose]] to do their rounds, and several members reported feeling an odd sensation near Moonstone Street. The group continued to feel flashes of discomfort as they patrolled but could not locate the source. When they reached Crescent Road, they were waylaid by attacking mercenaries who then began appearing throughout the city.

During the fight, War Hawk Kasizva Keston, a [[Rakash]] associated with the [[Red Hatchet Gang]], revealed himself and quickly murdered Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]] with several strikes. He then turned on Ayrell, who fought off his attack for several roisan before succumbing to her injuries.

Moments later, a shadowy figure materialized from the nearby city wall in a hooded cloak. The unknown person produced a dagger and stabbed Kasizva in the side, then disemboweled him before kicking his corpse to the ground and disappearing.

The Guard was able to subdue and dispatch the remaining invasion with little trouble, but no sign of the assassin could be found. When asked about the murders, Ayrell said, "The Mountain Guard will continue to investigate the matter while seeking to identify the culprit responsible for hiring this mercenary. In the meantime, we shall remain ever vigilant to ensure the safety of the city."

Sincerely,

[[Ruea]] ([[Therengia|Theren]] Court [[Bard|Bardess]]) Shai'lin
Assistant Reporter of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Ayrell,Ilithi,Kasizva,Milene's Rose Inn,Mountain Guard,Red Hatchet Gang
}}

The First Land Herald/446-01-14

2023-07-13T02:44:49Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-01-14
|articlenumber=75
|headline=Strange Celestial Phenomenon Approaches
|article=The celestial phenomenon dubbed the [[Nascent Unknown]] is growing increasingly close to [[Elanthia|our own planet]], reports Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]]. The phenomenon now appears in the night sky as series of arcing and bending lines of light surrounding a black ring, speckled with various sized blobs of hazy, dark blue.

[A black and white sketch is included of the ring and surrounding lines and blobs, a few fine lines pointing out features and noting colors. At the bottom is written, "Miskton."]

I asked the Court Mage a series of questions about the Unknown in order to learn more about it for you, dear reader. For its size, he said, "Hard to say exactly, but given that we can now make out something more than just the movement of a point of light, probably very large." He reported that the "general consensus of [[Moon Mage|guild]] astronomers" was previously that it was the birth of a new star, but, "I would say the chances of it being anything like just the birth of a new star are close to nil, now... I began to think that rather unlikely once it was clearly moving about, but now even more so."

He also commented, "It still appears to be moving, but now something seems to be forming within the pattern it shows. Or is just now close enough that we can see what was behind the light. I also get the distinct impression that it is actively avoiding the orbit of nearby planets. As for distance, it appears to be within our solar system now. So relatively speaking, it is extremely close."

One further chilling aspect of the Unknown is that Moon Mages get an "odd feeling" in their prophetic senses when observing it. Miskton said, "Observing it also causes me to feel a deep chill, although that would actually be consistent with something related to stars."

When I asked him for his deepest instinct about what the phenomenon is, he said, "Difficult to say precisely what it is, but I think it's something that has been created and moved with a purpose."

I canvassed the group gathered with the Court Mage for his most recent [[Miskton/Logs/20230708 Visions|Visions meeting]] in [[Shard]], asking if anyone had theories as to what the Unknown could be. Note that the majority were not Moon Mages, simply adventurers with thoughts. I heard the following:

Miskton: "The idea of it being some sort of portal appears to be gaining merit... There's now something within the lines of light. That black ring, with the blue blobs." 
[[Gwenddolyn]]: "Dark blue would be purple and black mixed together, which signifies a [[demon]] is present." 
Zalinyar: "It could be forming a new [[plane]]." 
Elaun: "[It could be] a holding cell. Like a gate on the front of a cell door, it's not really a portal, but something holding a planar tear closed." 
[[Aislynn]]: "Something is coming to rescue the star-person the [[House Turmar|Turmars]] kidnapped in order to fuel [[Trader]] magic." 
[[Timorias]]: "If its a new plane intersecting with ours, its still not a good sign. It's going to open and things we won't like are going to come through. Some of us pulled in." 
Zalinyar: "I like [[dragon]]. It's a dragon."

My own thought was that perhaps it is some star-faring vessel, as far-fetched as that sounds.

Timorias opined at one point, "Whatever it is, it ain't bringing the good fairy and cupcakes."

Court Mage Miskton pointed out that there was a vision that appeared to predict the appearance of these new changes in the Unknown: "A painter sat before an easel and scrutinized his work. He painted several sharp lines in a rich saffron, bending dramatic arcs that spiraled and bent around a black circle. Angrily squinting, he jammed the brush into a rich cerulean and swirled it in a blotch of black and violently flung blobs of dark blue at the canvas. Increasingly erratic, he poured his frustration into the canvas, and as the man panted with effort and fury, the canvas began to drip with frost, glowing with a subtle radiant light. The man paused, and gasping for breath, stared at the canvas in wonder. Then the vision faded."

He also mentioned another vision that may be related, involving what he believes are the [[planet|planets]] [[Szeldia]] and [[Merewalda]]: "With a hammering blow, I felt the air torn from my chest and found myself cast high into the sky, the curve of Elanthia falling away as I flailed madly to orient myself. [[Yavash]] snickered as I fell, and I tumbled, blazing past a malevolent, black planet with bright white clouds. It reached out and grabbed me in its embrace, flinging me in a new trajectory towards a distant crystal-blue orb."

He continued: "I continued to spin head over foot, unable to control my tumble, and I caught the barest glimpse of a small smudge streaking across my path. The blue orb reached out and grabbed me, and I plummeted through cold clouds and lashing rain, the ocean growing larger with white-tipped waves and spinning crystalline serpents. In desperation, I shielded my face with my arms, and then the vision faded." He confirmed that he believes the smudge in the vision is the Unknown, which is how it appeared at first, "just a smudge of light."

As usual, what these visions truly mean is unknown no pun intended. We will likely learn more about this phenomenon if it continues to approach Elanthia. We can only hope it is not on a collision course.

Sincerely,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]
True [[Bard]], [[Zoluren|Zoluren's]] Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Demon,Dragon,Elanthia,House Turmar,Merewalda,Miskton,Moon Mage,Nascent Unknown,Plane,Planet,Shard,Szeldia,Trader,Yavash
}}

The First Land Herald/446-01-14

2023-07-13T02:44:10Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Navesi,
|gamedate=446-01-14
|articlenumber=75
|headline=Strange Celestial Phenomenon Approaches
|article=The celestial phenomenon dubbed the [[Nascent Unknown]] is growing increasingly close to [[Elanthia|our own planet]], reports Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]]. The phenomenon now appears in the night sky as series of arcing and bending lines of light surrounding a black ring, speckled with various sized blobs of hazy, dark blue.

[A black and white sketch is included of the ring and surrounding lines and blobs, a few fine lines pointing out features and noting colors. At the bottom is written, "Miskton."]

I asked the Court Mage a series of questions about the Unknown in order to learn more about it for you, dear reader. For its size, he said, "Hard to say exactly, but given that we can now make out something more than just the movement of a point of light, probably very large." He reported that the "general consensus of [[Moon Mage|guild]] astronomers" was previously that it was the birth of a new star, but, "I would say the chances of it being anything like just the birth of a new star are close to nil, now... I began to think that rather unlikely once it was clearly moving about, but now even more so."

He also commented, "It still appears to be moving, but now something seems to be forming within the pattern it shows. Or is just now close enough that we can see what was behind the light. I also get the distinct impression that it is actively avoiding the orbit of nearby planets. As for distance, it appears to be within our solar system now. So relatively speaking, it is extremely close."

One further chilling aspect of the Unknown is that Moon Mages get an "odd feeling" in their prophetic senses when observing it. Miskton said, "Observing it also causes me to feel a deep chill, although that would actually be consistent with something related to stars."

When I asked him for his deepest instinct about what the phenomenon is, he said, "Difficult to say precisely what it is, but I think it's something that has been created and moved with a purpose."

I canvassed the group gathered with the Court Mage for his most recent [[Miskton/Logs/20230708 Visions|Visions meeting]] in [[Shard]], asking if anyone had theories as to what the Unknown could be. Note that the majority were not Moon Mages, simply adventurers with thoughts. I heard the following:

Miskton: "The idea of it being some sort of portal appears to be gaining merit... There's now something within the lines of light. That black ring, with the blue blobs." 
[[Gwenddolyn]]: "Dark blue would be purple and black mixed together, which signifies a [[demon]] is present." 
Zalinyar: "It could be forming a new [[plane]]." 
Elaun: "[It could be] a holding cell. Like a gate on the front of a cell door, it's not really a portal, but something holding a planar tear closed." 
[[Aislynn]]: "Something is coming to rescue the star-person the [[House Turmar|Turmars]] kidnapped in order to fuel [[Trader]] magic." 
[[Timorias]]: "If its a new plane intersecting with ours, its still not a good sign. It's going to open and things we won't like are going to come through. Some of us pulled in." 
Zalinyar: "I like [[dragon]]. It's a dragon."

My own thought was that perhaps it is some star-faring vessel, as far-fetched as that sounds.

Timorias opined at one point, "Whatever it is, it ain't bringing the good fairy and cupcakes."

Court Mage Miskton pointed out that there was a vision that appeared to predict the appearance of these new changes in the Unknown: "A painter sat before an easel and scrutinized his work. He painted several sharp lines in a rich saffron, bending dramatic arcs that spiraled and bent around a black circle. Angrily squinting, he jammed the brush into a rich cerulean and swirled it in a blotch of black and violently flung blobs of dark blue at the canvas. Increasingly erratic, he poured his frustration into the canvas, and as the man panted with effort and fury, the canvas began to drip with frost, glowing with a subtle radiant light. The man paused, and gasping for breath, stared at the canvas in wonder. Then the vision faded."

He also mentioned another vision that may be related, involving what he believes are the [[planet|planets]] [[Szeldia]] and [[Merewalda]]: "With a hammering blow, I felt the air torn from my chest and found myself cast high into the sky, the curve of Elanthia falling away as I flailed madly to orient myself. [[Yavash]] snickered as I fell, and I tumbled, blazing past a malevolent, black planet with bright white clouds. It reached out and grabbed me in its embrace, flinging me in a new trajectory towards a distant crystal-blue orb."

He continued: "I continued to spin head over foot, unable to control my tumble, and I caught the barest glimpse of a small smudge streaking across my path. The blue orb reached out and grabbed me, and I plummeted through cold clouds and lashing rain, the ocean growing larger with white-tipped waves and spinning crystalline serpents. In desperation, I shielded my face with my arms, and then the vision faded." He confirmed that he believes the smudge in the vision is the Unknown, which is how it appeared at first, "just a smudge of light."

As usual, what these visions truly mean is unknown no pun intended. We will likely learn more about this phenomenon if it continues to approach Elanthia. We can only hope it is not on a collision course.

Sincerely,

[[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]]
True Bard, Zoluren's Herald
Editor in Chief of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Demon,Dragon,Elanthia,House Turmar,Merewalda,Miskton,Moon Mage,Nascent Unknown,Plane,Planet,Shard,Szeldia,Trader,Yavash
}}

The First Land Herald/445-09-01

2023-07-13T01:31:16Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Ruea,
|gamedate=445-09-01
|articlenumber=74
|headline=Mountain Guard Assassinations
|article=The [[Mountain Guard]] of [[Ilithi]] was attacked by [[Kasizva]] and an invasion of mercenaries, thugs, and ruffians during their recent patrol.

Guard Leader [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine]] and thirteen members of the Guard left from [[Milene's Rose Inn|Milene's Rose]] to do their rounds, and several members reported feeling an odd sensation near Moonstone Street. The group continued to feel flashes of discomfort as they patrolled but could not locate the source. When they reached Crescent Road, they were waylaid by attacking mercenaries who then began appearing throughout the city.

During the fight, War Hawk Kasizva Keston, a [[Rakash]] associated with the [[Red Hatchet Gang]], revealed himself and quickly murdered Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]] with several strikes. He then turned on Ayrell, who fought off his attack for several roisan before succumbing to her injuries.

Moments later, a shadowy figure materialized from the nearby city wall in a hooded cloak. The unknown person produced a dagger and stabbed Kasizva in the side, then disemboweled him before kicking his corpse to the ground and disappearing.

The Guard was able to subdue and dispatch the remaining invasion with little trouble, but no sign of the assassin could be found. When asked about the murders, Ayrell said, "The Mountain Guard will continue to investigate the matter while seeking to identify the culprit responsible for hiring this mercenary. In the meantime, we shall remain ever vigilant to ensure the safety of the city."

Sincerely,

[[Ruea]] (Theren Court Bardess) Shai'lin
Assistant Reporter of the [[The First Land Herald|First Land Herald]]
|subject=Ayrell,Ilithi,Kasizva,Milene's Rose Inn,Mountain Guard,Red Hatchet Gang
}}

The First Land Herald/445-09-01

2023-07-13T01:30:38Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Ruea,
|gamedate=445-09-01
|articlenumber=74
|headline=Mountain Guard Assassinations
|article=The [[Mountain Guard]] of [[Ilithi]] was attacked by [[Kasizva]] and an invasion of mercenaries, thugs, and ruffians during their recent patrol.

Guard Leader [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine]] and thirteen members of the Guard left from [[Milene's Rose Inn|Milene's Rose]] to do their rounds, and several members reported feeling an odd sensation near Moonstone Street. The group continued to feel flashes of discomfort as they patrolled but could not locate the source. When they reached Crescent Road, they were waylaid by attacking mercenaries who then began appearing throughout the city.

During the fight, War Hawk Kasizva Keston, a [[Rakash]] associated with the [[Red Hatchet Gang]], revealed himself and quickly murdered Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]] with several strikes. He then turned on Ayrell, who fought off his attack for several roisan before succumbing to her injuries.

Moments later, a shadowy figure materialized from the nearby city wall in a hooded cloak. The unknown person produced a dagger and stabbed Kasizva in the side, then disemboweled him before kicking his corpse to the ground and disappearing.

The Guard was able to subdue and dispatch the remaining invasion with little trouble, but no sign of the assassin could be found. When asked about the murders, Ayrell said, "The Mountain Guard will continue to investigate the matter while seeking to identify the culprit responsible for hiring this mercenary. In the meantime, we shall remain ever vigilant to ensure the safety of the city."

Sincerely,

[[Ruea]] (Theren Court Bardess) Shai'lin
Assistant Reporter of the First Land Herald
|subject=Ayrell,Ilithi,Kasizva,Milene's Rose Inn,Mountain Guard,Red Hatchet Gang
}}

The First Land Herald/445-09-01

2023-07-13T01:29:47Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Ruea,
|gamedate=445-09-01
|articlenumber=74
|headline=Mountain Guard Assassinations
|article=The [[Mountain Guard]] of [[Ilithi]] was attacked by [[Kasizva]] and an invasion of mercenaries, thugs, and ruffians during their recent patrol.

Guard Leader [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine]] and thirteen members of the Guard left from [[Milene's Rose Inn|Milene's Rose]] to do their rounds, and several members reported feeling an odd sensation near Moonstone Street. The group continued to feel flashes of discomfort as they patrolled but could not locate the source. When they reached Crescent Road, they were waylaid by attacking mercenaries who then began appearing throughout the city.

During the fight, War Hawk Kasizva Keston, a [[Rakash]] associated with the [[Red Hatchet Gang]], revealed himself and quickly murdered Court Mage [[Miskton|Miskton Ramahk]] with several strikes. He then turned on Ayrell, who fought off his attack for several roisan before succumbing to her injuries.

Moments later, a shadowy figure materialized from the nearby city wall in a hooded cloak. The unknown person produced a dagger and stabbed Kasizva in the side, then disemboweled him before kicking his corpse to the ground and disappearing.

The Guard was able to subdue and dispatch the remaining invasion with little trouble, but no sign of the assassin could be found. When asked about the murders, Ayrell said, "The Mountain Guard will continue to investigate the matter while seeking to identify the culprit responsible for hiring this mercenary. In the meantime, we shall remain ever vigilant to ensure the safety of the city."

Sincerely,

Ruea (Theren Court Bardess) Shai'lin
Assistant Reporter of the First Land Herald
|subject=Ayrell,Ilithi,Kasizva,Milene's Rose Inn,Mountain Guard,Red Hatchet Gang
}}

The First Land Herald/444-08-36

2023-05-24T02:00:17Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Shaylynne,
|gamedate=444-08-36
|articlenumber=73
|headline=The Herald Returns with a Recap
|article='''Bridge Built, Barbara the La’tami Dead, Krenze the Pyromancer Attacks, and More!'''

The reporters from [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]] have been out of the office for some time, kept away from our work by other responsibilities. We are slowly but surely returning to our desks to write, and we thought our readers might appreciate a quick recap of previously unpublished events.

'''A New [[Therengia|Therengian]] Bridge'''

You may have heard, or witnessed, that the ravine between [[Rossman's Landing]] and [[Therenborough]] has undergone some vast improvements. It is no longer crossed on a dangerously swaying rope in the wind, but a wonderfully stable structure of wood and masonry. More than a few well known groups have claimed at least partial credit in the project's fruition.

Our Editor in Chief, [[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]], interviewed Parkons and [[Malkien]] of the [[Northern Watch]], Vice-Speaker Karthor of the [[Order of the Theren Guard|Theren Guard]], Speaker Penhryn and Vice-Speaker [[Aislynn]] of the [[Order of the Dragon Shield]], and the following [[Ravens Family|Ravens]]: Chelinde, Ishcah, [[Raikage]], [[Rifkinn]], and Slarc. I attended the Ravens meeting with her, studied her notes on the others, and pieced together the following.

According to Vice-Speaker Karthor, past and current members of his Order hosted material collection drives over the years with the very purpose of building a sturdy bridge. Speaker Penhryn corroborated his statement, saying, "There were efforts to replace it for what seemed like ages. ODS helped with those efforts… People from all over the realms, Therengians and those from farther away, would bring materials and donate them."

Parkons and Malkien were under the impression no one group of adventurers was truly in charge of the build, although there may have been claims otherwise. Certainly many participated from different groups. During the meeting with the Ravens, several of them stated, respectively, that the Ravens provided all of the material, most of the labor, supervision, safety direction, and snacks.

Rifkinn and Penhryn both mentioned the possible presence of [[Necromancer|Necromancers]] at the site, but this fifth group was not named and therefore unable to be interviewed. Rifkinn said, "Some of the profane claimed it was their work that completed the bride." Penhryn attended a court meeting after the project's completion, hoping for more official information from the [[Theren Keep|Keep]], and heard no word from the [[Gyfford|Baron]] about the bridge or confirmation of any forbidden persons attending its construction at the time.

There was a brief period of time when construction stalled due to the materials mysteriously going missing. Unverified rumors circulated about where they went and why. Eventually, it was the pirate [[Srinoja]] who returned them to the building site.

Other than Rifkinn's statements that a few skirmishes did break out between the Ravens and the Northern Watch, it sounded like a relatively peaceful experience, with muscle primarily used for building rather than fighting. To quote Parkons, "Most everyone was kind and helpful, [and] despite any true supervisor being [absent], we managed to take the kit of parts provided and discerned workable methods of construction."

One thing is for certain, the bridge is complete and passable, with a plaque on the deck dedicated to Baron Gyfford Theren, 442 AV. It also contains a panel of names, recognizing those who assisted in the construction of this new bridge in service of Therengia.

'''[[Uroi|Uroi Odalva]] Spotted'''

In other news, people have recently spotted Uroi Odalva, mostly at social gatherings. He has been seen drinking and smoking his cigars at fancy parties, perusing the wares at the [[Halfling|Olvi]] springtime festival in [[Arthe Dale]], and at a play where his pantless presence caused quite a commotion.

'''Barbara the [[Yvhh la'tami|La’tami]] Receives Memorial'''

Elanthians also spotted a now legendary rogue la'tami. The lone creature was seen roaming around the southern platform of the [[Ilithi]] [[gondola]]. When it saw city folk approaching, it lashed out and instinctively attacked. Regrettably, it grievously injured an innocent bystander. Despite an effort to spare the sojourning la'tami, some decided to protect the bystander, and the la’tami died. [[Warrior Mage]] [[Anuril]] said he landed the final blow, and he was able to retrieve a hide to remember it by.

The corpse of the boundary-breaking creature was dubbed “Barbara.” Only a few days passed before her grieving kin attacked the city of [[Shard]]. Undeterred by the invasion, a group of sentimental adventurers grew, and [[Akeiro]] planned an elaborate memorial to honor the life and death of the now infamous yvhh la'tami.

Mourners gathered in memory of beloved Barbara on a cool, spring eve in the year 443, 115 days since the Victory of [[Lanival|Lanival the Redeemer]]. Folks from all walks of life brought offerings or flowers and held lit votive candles as Akeiro began to speak. It was an evening full of emotions as [[Nilme]] sang a dirge in Barbara's honor to the crowd. When [[Iryta]] stepped up to sing next, a horde of la'tami were seen hanging from the outside of the gondola and traversing the cable lines towards the ceremony.

Unfortunately, many more of Barbara's kind would perish that night, as the creeping la’tami eventually invaded the area. May Barbara (and her kin) rest in peace. For the Elanthian community, we will never forget how Barbara’s sojourn from the confines of her home beneath the gondola brought us all together.

'''[[Anmuva|The Antlered Being]] Reappears'''

Ever wonder what happened to the strange antlered being watching crowds from the woods? During the spring and summer of year 441, [[Xelten|Xelten Tyrsin]] held gatherings near the [[Ranger]] Guild Longhouse in [[Boar Clan]] with a goal of communicating with the being. Boar Clan had been the scene of many previous sightings, and it seemed particularly interested in Rangers.

At one of the two meetings, the antlered [[Kather]] being did in fact appear, and we learned they call themselves Anmuva, they are a [[Kather watcher|Watcher]], and they are very sensitive to smells. It is uncertain at this point in time if any attempts to reconnect are underway, but we hope for more spontaneous visits, since Anmuva has alluded that in time, they may have more to teach us about the Life [[Dragon|Dragons]] and their influence on [[magic]] and [[mana]] streams.

'''[[Dragon Priest]] Investigations: An Update'''

I was curious about what became of the Dragon Priest investigations, so I spoke briefly with Lady of [[Elamiri]] [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir]], who had teamed up with Yraggahh for scouting missions of areas possibly controlled by the Dragon Priests. Nothing has turned up in some time since we last reported on the efforts to investigate the Dragon Priests (see [[The First Land Herald/439-04-05|FLH 439-04-05]]), with the exception of a very strange meeting with a talking [[Blue-green pivuh|pivuh]]. However, interestingly, Ayrell’s group did have a run-in with the aforementioned Kather. Yraggahh has not been seen or heard from recently, but Ayrell did say she would love to pick up the research again in the near future.

'''Investigations Begin on [[Stormwill Tower]]'''

Most recently, Ayrell has been focused on experiments at Stormwill Tower, the infamous Shard tower that boasts a perpetual stormcloud at its peak. In her first experiment, she told me she volunteered to align to electricity, though depleted, and receive lightning into her body, as others looked on and attempted Othersight.

She reported, "When we started the experiment, we initially felt a static charge building. The storm began to spiral angrily far above the tower, hissing with hair lightning. We then began to see bolts of lurid green lightning lash across the sky as well as striking the cobblestones until finally lashing across the copper rods we held, causing them to glow with a vibrating green energy. A crackling mess of filamentous lightning erupted from the copper rod on the ground before discharging chaotically into the air. While utilizing the Othersight, my mouth filled with the taste of copper and a dull thrum resonated across the area. My vision faded, darkness creeping over my sight, and a pulsating glow caught my attention far above. As I glanced upward, it flared brightly, a dense writhing sphere held far above, illuminating peaks spiraling against the top of the tower. The dull thrum resonated once more and I saw the tower more clearly. The storm seemed to seethe, almost palpable in its fury. Several bolts of electricity lashed outward, and then everything returned to normal."

Ayrell plans next to visit the interior Stormwill Tower in a collaboration with [[Bard|Bards]] and other [[guilds]], as they search for clues about the Mage of Storms and his studies that were conducted within the tower.

'''The Search for [[Beren|Sir Beren]] is Paused'''

The Truthseekers continued looking for Sir Beren, or at least some kind of explanation for his disappearance, for some time. They initially discovered a body in the [[Dark Hand]] (see [[The First Land Herald/439-08-07|FLH 439-08-07]]). It remains uncertain if the discovery of the body and attached note are related to Sir Beren. A Fete was held (see [[The First Land Herald/440-10-11|FLH 440-10-11]]), and while it was rousing, the effort did not lead to any progress for the group, leading to the ultimate suspension of the search, for now.

'''[[Goblin]] Pyromancer [[Krenze]] Attacks the [[Crossing]]'''

A certain goblin pyromancer by the name of Krenze has been seen terrorizing the city of the Crossing, Navesi tells me. She witnessed red [[Moongate|moongates]] opening, through which [[Fire Ball|fireballs]] were flung, bursting everyone in the area into flames. Krenze himself appeared as well, throwing a burning hammer roiling with flame, in addition to summoning hordes of [[Goblin berserker|goblin berserkers]]. Fortunately, the adventurers of the city came together to defend it, and Voranos landed the killing blow against Krenze.

That is all I have to report at the moment, but I am certain there will be more to come soon. If there are any events that the Herald has missed, please reach out to myself or our editor, Navesi Daerthon.

Until next time,

[[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]] 
Reporter of [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]]
|subject=Anmuva,Arthe Dale,Ayrell,Bard,Beren,Blue-green pivuh,Boar Clan,Dragon,Dragon Priest,Goblin,Gyfford,Ilithi,Kather,Krenze,Northern Watch,Order of the Dragon Shield,Order of the Theren Guard,Ranger,Ravens Family,Rossman's Landing,Shard,Srinoja,Stormwill Tower,Therenborough,Therengia,Theren Keep,Uroi,Yvhh la'tami
}}

The First Land Herald/444-08-36

2023-05-24T01:59:46Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Shaylynne,
|gamedate=444-08-36
|articlenumber=73
|headline=The Herald Returns with a Recap
|article='''Bridge Built, Barbara the La’tami Dead, Krenze the Pyromancer Attacks, and More!'''

The reporters from [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]] have been out of the office for some time, kept away from our work by other responsibilities. We are slowly but surely returning to our desks to write, and we thought our readers might appreciate a quick recap of previously unpublished events.

'''A New [[Therengia|Therengian]] Bridge'''

You may have heard, or witnessed, that the ravine between [[Rossman's Landing]] and [[Therenborough]] has undergone some vast improvements. It is no longer crossed on a dangerously swaying rope in the wind, but a wonderfully stable structure of wood and masonry. More than a few well known groups have claimed at least partial credit in the project's fruition.

Our Editor in Chief, [[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]], interviewed Parkons and [[Malkien]] of the [[Northern Watch]], Vice-Speaker Karthor of the [[Order of the Theren Guard|Theren Guard]], Speaker Penhryn and Vice-Speaker [[Aislynn]] of the [[Order of the Dragon Shield]], and the following [[Ravens Family|Ravens]]: Chelinde, Ishcah, [[Raikage]], [[Rifkinn]], and Slarc. I attended the Ravens meeting with her, studied her notes on the others, and pieced together the following.

According to Vice-Speaker Karthor, past and current members of his Order hosted material collection drives over the years with the very purpose of building a sturdy bridge. Speaker Penhryn corroborated his statement, saying, "There were efforts to replace it for what seemed like ages. ODS helped with those efforts… People from all over the realms, Therengians and those from farther away, would bring materials and donate them."

Parkons and Malkien were under the impression no one group of adventurers was truly in charge of the build, although there may have been claims otherwise. Certainly many participated from different groups. During the meeting with the Ravens, several of them stated, respectively, that the Ravens provided all of the material, most of the labor, supervision, safety direction, and snacks.

Rifkinn and Penhryn both mentioned the possible presence of [[Necromancer|Necromancers]] at the site, but this fifth group was not named and therefore unable to be interviewed. Rifkinn said, "Some of the profane claimed it was their work that completed the bride." Penhryn attended a court meeting after the project's completion, hoping for more official information from the [[Theren Keep|Keep]], and heard no word from the [[Gyfford|Baron]] about the bridge or confirmation of any forbidden persons attending its construction at the time.

There was a brief period of time when construction stalled due to the materials mysteriously going missing. Unverified rumors circulated about where they went and why. Eventually, it was the pirate [[Srinoja]] who returned them to the building site.

Other than Rifkinn's statements that a few skirmishes did break out between the Ravens and the Northern Watch, it sounded like a relatively peaceful experience, with muscle primarily used for building rather than fighting. To quote Parkons, "Most everyone was kind and helpful, [and] despite any true supervisor being [absent], we managed to take the kit of parts provided and discerned workable methods of construction."

One thing is for certain, the bridge is complete and passable, with a plaque on the deck dedicated to Baron Gyfford Theren, 442 AV. It also contains a panel of names, recognizing those who assisted in the construction of this new bridge in service of Therengia.

'''[[Uroi|Uroi Odalva]] Spotted'''

In other news, people have recently spotted Uroi Odalva, mostly at social gatherings. He has been seen drinking and smoking his cigars at fancy parties, perusing the wares at the [[Halfling|Olvi]] springtime festival in [[Arthe Dale]], and at a play where his pantless presence caused quite a commotion.

'''Barbara the [[Yvhh la'tami|La’tami]] Receives Memorial'''

Elanthians also spotted a now legendary rogue la'tami. The lone creature was seen roaming around the southern platform of the [[Ilithi]] [[gondola]]. When it saw city folk approaching, it lashed out and instinctively attacked. Regrettably, it grievously injured an innocent bystander. Despite an effort to spare the sojourning la'tami, some decided to protect the bystander, and the la’tami died. [[Warrior Mage]] [[Anuril]] said he landed the final blow, and he was able to retrieve a hide to remember it by.

The corpse of the boundary-breaking creature was dubbed “Barbara.” Only a few days passed before her grieving kin attacked the city of [[Shard]]. Undeterred by the invasion, a group of sentimental adventurers grew, and [[Akeiro]] planned an elaborate memorial to honor the life and death of the now infamous yvhh la'tami.

Mourners gathered in memory of beloved Barbara on a cool, spring eve in the year 443, 115 days since the Victory of [[Lanival|Lanival the Redeemer]]. Folks from all walks of life brought offerings or flowers and held lit votive candles as Akeiro began to speak. It was an evening full of emotions as [[Nilme]] sang a dirge in Barbara's honor to the crowd. When [[Iryta]] stepped up to sing next, a horde of la'tami were seen hanging from the outside of the gondola and traversing the cable lines towards the ceremony.

Unfortunately, many more of Barbara's kind would perish that night, as the creeping la’tami eventually invaded the area. May Barbara (and her kin) rest in peace. For the Elanthian community, we will never forget how Barbara’s sojourn from the confines of her home beneath the gondola brought us all together.

'''[[Anmuva|The Antlered Being]] Reappears'''

Ever wonder what happened to the strange antlered being watching crowds from the woods? During the spring and summer of year 441, [[Xelten|Xelten Tyrsin]] held gatherings near the [[Ranger]] Guild Longhouse in [[Boar Clan]] with a goal of communicating with the being. Boar Clan had been the scene of many previous sightings, and it seemed particularly interested in Rangers.

At one of the two meetings, the antlered [[Kather]] being did in fact appear, and we learned they call themselves Anmuva, they are a [[Kather watcher|Watcher]], and they are very sensitive to smells. It is uncertain at this point in time if any attempts to reconnect are underway, but we hope for more spontaneous visits, since Anmuva has alluded that in time, they may have more to teach us about the Life [[Dragon|Dragons]] and their influence on [[magic]] and [[mana]] streams.

'''[[Dragon Priest]] Investigations: An Update'''

I was curious about what became of the Dragon Priest investigations, so I spoke briefly with Lady of [[Elamiri]] [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir]], who had teamed up with Yraggahh for scouting missions of areas possibly controlled by the Dragon Priests. Nothing has turned up in some time since we last reported on the efforts to investigate the Dragon Priests (see [[The First Land Herald/439-04-05|FLH 439-04-05]]), with the exception of a very strange meeting with a talking [[Blue-green pivuh|pivuh]]. However, interestingly, Ayrell’s group did have a run-in with the aforementioned Kather. Yraggahh has not been seen or heard from recently, but Ayrell did say she would love to pick up the research again in the near future.

'''Investigations Begin on [[Stormwill Tower]]'''

Most recently, Ayrell has been focused on experiments at Stormwill Tower, the infamous Shard tower that boasts a perpetual stormcloud at its peak. In her first experiment, she told me she volunteered to align to electricity, though depleted, and receive lightning into her body, as others looked on and attempted Othersight.

She reported, "When we started the experiment, we initially felt a static charge building. The storm began to spiral angrily far above the tower, hissing with hair lightning. We then began to see bolts of lurid green lightning lash across the sky as well as striking the cobblestones until finally lashing across the copper rods we held, causing them to glow with a vibrating green energy. A crackling mess of filamentous lightning erupted from the copper rod on the ground before discharging chaotically into the air. While utilizing the Othersight, my mouth filled with the taste of copper and a dull thrum resonated across the area. My vision faded, darkness creeping over my sight, and a pulsating glow caught my attention far above. As I glanced upward, it flared brightly, a dense writhing sphere held far above, illuminating peaks spiraling against the top of the tower. The dull thrum resonated once more and I saw the tower more clearly. The storm seemed to seethe, almost palpable in its fury. Several bolts of electricity lashed outward, and then everything returned to normal."

Ayrell plans next to visit the interior Stormwill Tower in a collaboration with [[Bard|Bards]] and other [[guilds]], as they search for clues about the Mage of Storms and his studies that were conducted within the tower.

'''The Search for [[Beren|Sir Beren]] is Paused'''

The Truthseekers continued looking for Sir Beren, or at least some kind of explanation for his disappearance, for some time. They initially discovered a body in the [[Dark Hand]] (see [[The First Land Herald/439-08-07|FLH 439-08-07]]). It remains uncertain if the discovery of the body and attached note are related to Sir Beren. A Fete was held (see [[The First Land Herald/440-10-11|FLH 440-10-11]]), and while it was rousing, the effort did not lead to any progress for the group, leading to the ultimate suspension of the search, for now.

'''[[Goblin]] Pyromancer [[Krenze]] Attacks the [[Crossing]]'''

A certain goblin pyromancer by the name of Krenze has been seen terrorizing the city of the Crossing, Navesi tells me. She witnessed red [[Moongate|moongates]] opening, through which [[Fire Ball|fireballs]] were flung, bursting everyone in the area into flames. Krenze himself appeared as well, throwing a burning hammer roiling with flame, in addition to summoning hordes of [[Goblin berserker|goblin berserkers]]. Fortunately, the adventurers of the city came together to defend it, and Voranos landed the killing blow against Krenze.

That is all I have to report at the moment, but I am certain there will be more to come soon. If there are any events that the Herald has missed, please reach out to myself or our editor, Navesi Daerthon.

Until next time,

[[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]] 
Reporter of [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]]
|subject=Anmuva,Arthe Dale,Ayrell,Bard,Beren,Boar Clan,Dragon,Dragon Priest,Goblin,Gyfford,Ilithi,Kather,Krenze,Northern Watch,Order of the Dragon Shield,Order of the Theren Guard,Ranger,Ravens Family,Rossman's Landing,Shard,Srinoja,Stormwill Tower,Therenborough,Therengia,Theren Keep,Uroi,Yvhh la'tami
}}

The First Land Herald/444-08-36

2023-05-24T01:58:18Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Shaylynne,
|gamedate=444-08-36
|articlenumber=73
|headline=The Herald Returns with a Recap
|article='''Bridge Built, Barbara the La’tami Dead, Krenze the Pyromancer Attacks, and More!'''

The reporters from [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]] have been out of the office for some time, kept away from our work by other responsibilities. We are slowly but surely returning to our desks to write, and we thought our readers might appreciate a quick recap of previously unpublished events.

'''A New [[Therengia|Therengian]] Bridge'''

You may have heard, or witnessed, that the ravine between [[Rossman's Landing]] and [[Therenborough]] has undergone some vast improvements. It is no longer crossed on a dangerously swaying rope in the wind, but a wonderfully stable structure of wood and masonry. More than a few well known groups have claimed at least partial credit in the project's fruition.

Our Editor in Chief, [[Navesi|Navesi Daerthon]], interviewed Parkons and [[Malkien]] of the [[Northern Watch]], Vice-Speaker Karthor of the [[Order of the Theren Guard|Theren Guard]], Speaker Penhryn and Vice-Speaker [[Aislynn]] of the [[Order of the Dragon Shield]], and the following [[Ravens Family|Ravens]]: Chelinde, Ishcah, [[Raikage]], [[Rifkinn]], and Slarc. I attended the Ravens meeting with her, studied her notes on the others, and pieced together the following.

According to Vice-Speaker Karthor, past and current members of his Order hosted material collection drives over the years with the very purpose of building a sturdy bridge. Speaker Penhryn corroborated his statement, saying, "There were efforts to replace it for what seemed like ages. ODS helped with those efforts… People from all over the realms, Therengians and those from farther away, would bring materials and donate them."

Parkons and Malkien were under the impression no one group of adventurers was truly in charge of the build, although there may have been claims otherwise. Certainly many participated from different groups. During the meeting with the Ravens, several of them stated, respectively, that the Ravens provided all of the material, most of the labor, supervision, safety direction, and snacks.

Rifkinn and Penhryn both mentioned the possible presence of [[Necromancer|Necromancers]] at the site, but this fifth group was not named and therefore unable to be interviewed. Rifkinn said, "Some of the profane claimed it was their work that completed the bride." Penhryn attended a court meeting after the project's completion, hoping for more official information from the [[Theren Keep|Keep]], and heard no word from the [[Gyfford|Baron]] about the bridge or confirmation of any forbidden persons attending its construction at the time.

There was a brief period of time when construction stalled due to the materials mysteriously going missing. Unverified rumors circulated about where they went and why. Eventually, it was the pirate [[Srinoja]] who returned them to the building site.

Other than Rifkinn's statements that a few skirmishes did break out between the Ravens and the Northern Watch, it sounded like a relatively peaceful experience, with muscle primarily used for building rather than fighting. To quote Parkons, "Most everyone was kind and helpful, [and] despite any true supervisor being [absent], we managed to take the kit of parts provided and discerned workable methods of construction."

One thing is for certain, the bridge is complete and passable, with a plaque on the deck dedicated to Baron Gyfford Theren, 442 AV. It also contains a panel of names, recognizing those who assisted in the construction of this new bridge in service of Therengia.

'''[[Uroi|Uroi Odalva]] Spotted'''

In other news, people have recently spotted Uroi Odalva, mostly at social gatherings. He has been seen drinking and smoking his cigars at fancy parties, perusing the wares at the [[Halfling|Olvi]] springtime festival in [[Arthe Dale]], and at a play where his pantless presence caused quite a commotion.

'''Barbara the [[Yvhh la'tami|La’tami]] Receives Memorial'''

Elanthians also spotted a now legendary rogue la'tami. The lone creature was seen roaming around the southern platform of the [[Ilithi]] [[gondola]]. When it saw city folk approaching, it lashed out and instinctively attacked. Regrettably, it grievously injured an innocent bystander. Despite an effort to spare the sojourning la'tami, some decided to protect the bystander, and the la’tami died. [[Warrior Mage]] [[Anuril]] said he landed the final blow, and he was able to retrieve a hide to remember it by.

The corpse of the boundary-breaking creature was dubbed “Barbara.” Only a few days passed before her grieving kin attacked the city of [[Shard]]. Undeterred by the invasion, a group of sentimental adventurers grew, and [[Akeiro]] planned an elaborate memorial to honor the life and death of the now infamous yvhh la'tami.

Mourners gathered in memory of beloved Barbara on a cool, spring eve in the year 443, 115 days since the Victory of [[Lanival|Lanival the Redeemer]]. Folks from all walks of life brought offerings or flowers and held lit votive candles as Akeiro began to speak. It was an evening full of emotions as [[Nilme]] sang a dirge in Barbara's honor to the crowd. When [[Iryta]] stepped up to sing next, a horde of la'tami were seen hanging from the outside of the gondola and traversing the cable lines towards the ceremony.

Unfortunately, many more of Barbara's kind would perish that night, as the creeping la’tami eventually invaded the area. May Barbara (and her kin) rest in peace. For the Elanthian community, we will never forget how Barbara’s sojourn from the confines of her home beneath the gondola brought us all together.

'''[[Anmuva|The Antlered Being]] Reappears'''

Ever wonder what happened to the strange antlered being watching crowds from the woods? During the spring and summer of year 441, [[Xelten|Xelten Tyrsin]] held gatherings near the [[Ranger]] Guild Longhouse in [[Boar Clan]] with a goal of communicating with the being. Boar Clan had been the scene of many previous sightings, and it seemed particularly interested in Rangers.

At one of the two meetings, the antlered [[Kather]] being did in fact appear, and we learned they call themselves Anmuva, they are a [[Kather watcher|Watcher]], and they are very sensitive to smells. It is uncertain at this point in time if any attempts to reconnect are underway, but we hope for more spontaneous visits, since Anmuva has alluded that in time, they may have more to teach us about the Life [[Dragon|Dragons]] and their influence on [[magic]] and [[mana]] streams.

'''[[Dragon Priest]] Investigations: An Update'''

I was curious about what became of the Dragon Priest investigations, so I spoke briefly with Lady of [[Elamiri]] [[Ayrell|Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir]], who had teamed up with Yraggahh for scouting missions of areas possibly controlled by the Dragon Priests. Nothing has turned up in some time since we last reported on the efforts to investigate the Dragon Priests (see [[The First Land Herald/439-04-05|FLH 439-04-05]]), with the exception of a very strange meeting with a talking [[Blue-green pivuh|pivuh]]. However, interestingly, Ayrell’s group did have a run-in with the aforementioned Kather. Yraggahh has not been seen or heard from recently, but Ayrell did say she would love to pick up the research again in the near future.

'''Investigations Begin on [[Stormwill Tower]]'''

Most recently, Ayrell has been focused on experiments at Stormwill Tower, the infamous Shard tower that boasts a perpetual stormcloud at its peak. In her first experiment, she told me she volunteered to align to electricity, though depleted, and receive lightning into her body, as others looked on and attempted Othersight.

She reported, "When we started the experiment, we initially felt a static charge building. The storm began to spiral angrily far above the tower, hissing with hair lightning. We then began to see bolts of lurid green lightning lash across the sky as well as striking the cobblestones until finally lashing across the copper rods we held, causing them to glow with a vibrating green energy. A crackling mess of filamentous lightning erupted from the copper rod on the ground before discharging chaotically into the air. While utilizing the Othersight, my mouth filled with the taste of copper and a dull thrum resonated across the area. My vision faded, darkness creeping over my sight, and a pulsating glow caught my attention far above. As I glanced upward, it flared brightly, a dense writhing sphere held far above, illuminating peaks spiraling against the top of the tower. The dull thrum resonated once more and I saw the tower more clearly. The storm seemed to seethe, almost palpable in its fury. Several bolts of electricity lashed outward, and then everything returned to normal."

Ayrell plans next to visit the interior Stormwill Tower in a collaboration with [[Bard|Bards]] and other [[guilds]], as they search for clues about the Mage of Storms and his studies that were conducted within the tower.

'''The Search for [[Beren|Sir Beren]] is Paused'''

The Truthseekers continued looking for Sir Beren, or at least some kind of explanation for his disappearance, for some time. They initially discovered a body in the [[Dark Hand]] (see [[The First Land Herald/439-08-07|FLH 439-08-07]]). It remains uncertain if the discovery of the body and attached note are related to Sir Beren. A Fete was held (see [[The First Land Herald/440-10-11|FLH 440-10-11]]), and while it was rousing, the effort did not lead to any progress for the group, leading to the ultimate suspension of the search, for now.

'''[[Goblin]] Pyromancer [[Krenze]] Attacks the [[Crossing]]'''

A certain goblin pyromancer by the name of Krenze has been seen terrorizing the city of the Crossing, Navesi tells me. She witnessed red [[Moongate|moongates]] opening, through which [[Fire Ball|fireballs]] were flung, bursting everyone in the area into flames. Krenze himself appeared as well, throwing a burning hammer roiling with flame, in addition to summoning hordes of [[Goblin berserker|goblin berserkers]]. Fortunately, the adventurers of the city came together to defend it, and Voranos landed the killing blow against Krenze.

That is all I have to report at the moment, but I am certain there will be more to come soon. If there are any events that the Herald has missed, please reach out to myself or our editor, Navesi Daerthon.

Until next time,

[[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]] 
Reporter of [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]]
|subject=Anmuva,Arthe Dale,Ayrell,Bard,Beren,Boar Clan,Dragon,Goblin,Gyfford,Ilithi,Kather,Krenze,Northern Watch,Order of the Dragon Shield,Order of the Theren Guard,Ranger,Ravens Family,Rossman's Landing,Shard,Srinoja,Stormwill Tower,Therenborough,Therengia,Theren Keep,Uroi,Yvhh la'tami
}}

The First Land Herald/440-10-11 (1)

2023-03-05T01:57:22Z

AVETRUETODROGOR:

{{FLH
|author=Shaylynne,
|gamedate=440-10-11
|articlenumber=71
|headline=A Memorial for Osven
|article=A diverse crowd made a showing at the [[Zaulfung Stones|Standing Stones]] near [[Riverhaven]], where the Profane Arcanist [[Nefis]] intended to hold a memorial in honor of [[Osven]], a [[Philosophers of the Knife|Philosopher of the Knife]] and self-proclaimed [[Demon]] Hunter. Osven was best known for studying [[Ciriasa|Ciriasa's]] remains and creating a device called the [[Philosopher's Knot]], eventually sacrificing himself to empower it in order to deal the death blow to the demon [[Maelshyve]] (see [[The First Land Herald/430-09-35|FLH 430-09-35]]).

The memorial began and [[Therengia|Therengians]] in attendance, following the [[Gyfford|Baron's]] anti-[[Necromancer|necromantic]] orders, stood in opposition of the gathering and attempted to escort the group from their province. During the fray, a blurring of energies was felt as a statue appeared out of thin air. Some continued to make comments about Osven, one saying, "[he was] a broken man, and one who took the wrong path, yet somehow he saved us and sacrificed himself."

Interrupting the speech and side arguments between factions, there was a fluttering of wings, and a dull keening built in intensity. The breathtaking energy thrumming through the air caused my muscles to twitch and overpowered the area. Observers gasped as the wailing grew and a crushing weight pushed them to their knees, laboring the force of air in and out of their lungs. The high-pitched drone was deafening, and my vision blurred.

The sound of beating wings came closer, and suddenly, [[Sivroch]] faded into view and slammed into the ground. A tide of rage and desolation poured from her, psychic backlash intensifying, and she ignored everyone as she approached the statue of Osven. The keening noise accompanying her built up to an overwhelming crescendo.

Apollys was first to attack, but Sivroch paid him no mind as she hesitantly touched the statue's jaw. She withdrew and sighed, the keening diminished at last, allowing all to inhale a collective and massive breath in relief, heaving for air.

Sivroch spoke fondly, "He was a good man. He was my friend. He was brilliant. He was stubborn. He was scarred and vengeful and his mission set mine back, but there will never be another like him, and I miss him. You lot did not deserve him and everything he did for you." She continued, "This statue will be untouchable for one hour. After that, you can do what you will to it, tear it down or deface it, like you do everything else. What he accomplished will remain. I will always remember."

[[Dantia]] and Sir [[Madigan]] began to advance on her, followed by others close behind, but she continued to disregard the oncoming onslaught. Sivroch gazed upon the statue reverently before chuckling, and with a smile, she said, "It is a decent likeness. He could be so smug. In another time, Osven." As the blades and spells began to strike out at her, she gave a strong flap of her four wings, leapt into the air and flew away! The psychic weight receded fully, leaving everyone standing beside a heroically posed human statue brandishing a silver knife.

Faultlessly carved from pure-white marble, the statue depicted a square-jawed man with short, straight hair and a classical nose. In one hand, he held a silvery knife poised to strike while the second gripped a small vial. He was dressed simply, memorialized in death as he was in life. An inscription read, "A determined man can accomplish what [[Immortals|Gods]] will not."

With Sivroch gone, fights broke out between those with differing opinions, both provincial and ideological. Nefis took this opportunity to retreat and move so he could conclude speaking his words for Osven elsewhere.

I went to visit the statue myself a few weeks later, but it was no longer there whether it was removed and preserved or destroyed, I'm not sure. I can confirm, however, all that remained were the Standing Stones of the [[Zaulfung]] swamp and the residual energy of ancient power that surrounds them.

[[Shaylynne|Shaylynne Kendialahle]]
Reporter of [[The First Land Herald|the First Land Herald]]
|subject=Ciriasa,Demon,Gyfford,Immortals,Maelshyve,Necromancer,Nefis,Osven,Philosopher's Knot,Philosophers of the Knife,Riverhaven,Sivroch,Therengia,Zaulfung,Zaulfung Stones
}}