Elanthipedia - User contributions [en]

Moon Mage vision list 2022

2022-12-05T14:04:56Z

DR-KOROR:

{{MoonMageVisions|2022}}
This list includes visions from the [[Moon mage]] [[Prediction#Other prediction types|event prediction]] ability experienced in 2022.

Also included are spontaneous visions experienced without the use of the {{com|Predict}} command. These latter visions can be experienced by any moon mage as long as they're logged into the game environment when the vision is distributed. Generally these visions signal incipient invasions or immediate developments in an ongoing event or storyline.

Moon mage visions stem directly from their prophetic link to the [[Plane of Probability]] and connection to Fate.

==2022==
{{Visions|date=11/17/2022|vision=
You find yourself walking alongside an armored caravan, wrapped in sheets of lead-kertig alloy, pulled by a spindly crystalline beast. A bizarre landscape slowly rolls by, six-limbed creatures with too many eyes occasionally screaming at you from the purple leaved canopy. The envoy approaches a large arch filled with orange light, and you board the caravan, the doors locking from within, windowed shutters clicking in place. The caravan continues forward once again, and an icy chill takes hold as the terrain becomes bumpier. A fellow passenger thumbs a gaethzen orb, filling the small compartment with feeble light, and looking at your traveling companions, your vision blurs uncomfortably, buzzing, jarring.

Tooth and claw, maw and tentacle, someone begins to scream. The walls of the caravan groan as it flexes and buckles, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=11/17/2022|vision=
You smell wildflowers and baked earth, and find yourself standing on an open grassy steppe. A man walks to the center of a field of strange bushes covered in faintly glowing silvery-white blossoms, and approaches a stack of wooden boxes, slowly separating them, revealing bee hives. A cloud of annoyed bees quickly forms around the man, but he moves calmly and speaks kindly, and the bees do not bother him. Lifting a few frames to inspect the pale yellow comb, the man replaces a few of the immature frames, and gently pares comb from others, collecting the material into a tall bucket. Replacing the stacked boxes and thanking the bees, the man carries the bounty away, balancing the bucket on one hip, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=11/17/2022|vision=
An elderly couple walks hand in hand, entering a small garden space. The man talks at length of how each plant is faring, new growth, and scolding and removing weeds. The woman looks bored, but watches the man with a bemused smile. He kneels before a large protea bush and prunes a few dead leaves.

"This one is growing strong," he says. "The bees love it too."

The woman smiles, and tilts her face to the warm sun. The man continues tending to the garden, and after a moment slowly rises, wincing a bit in his old age, and approaches the woman, handing her a brilliant blossom. She accepts it graciously, and hand in hand, they leave the garden. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=11/17/2022|vision=
You hear a loud *thump!*, and find yourself walking in a forest with tall trees. The *thump!* repeats, rhythmic, slow and steady as a metronome. You continue down the path, and the *thump!* grows louder. Soon, you see a man dressed in simple robes, repeatedly punching a tree. The tree's bark is flattened, splintered to a pulp, and the man lands steady blow after steady blow, shaking the branches and leaves with each strike.

"What are you doing?" you hear yourself asking.

"Learning." the man says, neither looking at you nor ceasing the steady striking.

"What is the lesson?" you ask.

"I am not yet sure." the man replies.

You stand in silence for a moment, listening to the steady *thump!* of continuing blows, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=11/17/2022|vision=
You feel mildly uncomfortable, jittery, your heart beating a little too fast. Something is wrong, and you feel... misplaced? Looking around, everything appears normal. You steady yourself and look down at your hands, noticing your left index finger twitches. No, it's not twitching, it's flickering, a broken illusion with a trailing shimmer, and with a sudden intake of breath, you briefly recall crystalline dissection needles approaching your eyes. You begin to panic, and clench your fists in fear.

You find yourself looking at your hands, the twitch gone. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=10/15/2022|vision=
You feel cold grass beneath your feet, and feel the whispers of the stars far above in the dark night sky. A radiant blob of black ooze mars the sky, slowly drifting downward. Pulsating as it descends with a purple glimmer flickering at its center, the blob hovers above you for a moment, pulling itself tighter and tighter before silently exploding outward with a flurry of shadowy particles.

Whereever the dark snow lands erupts with spreading tendrils and roots, a growing fungus that blankets all visible surfaces. A single piece lands on the back of your hand, and you watch as your arm is covered in writhing black. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=10/15/2022|vision=
You find yourself seated in a dark room at a large bar. The back wall is lined with neatly arrayed bottles of various colors -- caramel toned whiskeys, dark rums, clear vodkas, milky unfiltered zuoganaas and countless others. A warmly smiling Human man stands on the other side of the bar and says, "I know just the thing."

The man grabs a tumbler and peels an orange, twisting a strip of rind before dropping it in. Adding a pinch of sugar and dash of bitters, the man muddles the mixture and pours a generous portion of whiskey. You hear an eruption of laughter, and the man grins and nods to someone behind you. The man places a large pyramid of ice into the glass, gently stirring before sliding the drink towards you.

The man says "We don't always remember, but this will help you return."

You look into the glass, watching the pyramid of ice slowly cracking, swirling fluids mixing and twinkling, and the room grows distant as the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=10/15/2022|vision=
A cruel General stands before a city gate, a bloody brother and sister clinging to one another nearby. The General summons fire, scorching blue flames curling up his arm, and screams across the battlements, "Face me, face me now, or they die like the rest!"

Somber faces peer down from the battlements, but no one moves, and the children cling to one another, the younger boy weeping, the older sister's jaw clenched in fury. Some time passes.

"You made your choice." the General finally says.

The flames erupt, spiraling toward the children, the boy screaming in fear. The fire rages, claws forward, and the older sister looks up defiantly, holds her palm forward and softly says, "No."

The walls of the city splinter and explode in every direction, the General's flesh peels from his bones, and the sky breaks. The boy stops screaming, and looks at his sister in wonder. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=10/15/2022|vision=
You find yourself standing before a mirror, gazing at your reflection. You tentatively reach forward and touch the smooth glass, but as your fingers graze the surface, the reflection of your hand ripples and takes on monstrous form -- a hideous claw wrapped in vile tentacles. The reflected appendage reaches through the mirror and gently intertwines its fingers with your own, and you recoil in revulsion, your reflection reverting to normal.

You collect yourself and lean forward, watching as your visage twists and contorts, gazing at you in monstrous reflected curiosity, and you push against the glass, falling into the mirror.

You turn and see your reflection, normal in every way, and look down to gaze upon your hideous claws. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=10/15/2022|vision=
You find yourself in a long corridor smelling of pine, a warm, dry breeze carrying the sound of grinding stone and clanking metal. As you watch, paint chips flake upward from the sandy floor, settling on the walls, recreating a lost mural composed of words and symbols winding around fanciful depictions of a giant, multi-limbed being striding across a forest. The mural continues around the bend of the hall, so you walk forward, revealing a robed figure kneeling at a stone altar painting the face of a large clay figure. The mural continues to form, the robed figure continues their meticulous work, and the clay figure twitches. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=9/16/2022|vision=
You smell the tang of the ocean and feel a warm breeze as you find yourself wandering along a stone pathway lined with coconut palm and smelling of flowering ginger. The path terminates in a clearing sheltering a crystal clear pool, which you wade into, allowing the cool waters to surround you. Something brushes against your leg and you feel a flash of pain as your leg convulses, your calves clenching a long moment before slowly relaxing.

Silvery fish begin to swim towards you, circling closely. Something resembling a whiskered eel dashes towards you, and erupts in yellow-green electricity which spiders in all directions. Several other fish join, weaving a net of blazing light, and you fall beneath the waters, paralyzed and rigid, your muscles taut and your tendons creaking. The barrage continues, and you slowly make sense of lesson. The vision fades.
|sub=Electrogenesis|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=9/16/2022|vision=
You find yourself seated on a finely polished wood floor, wrapped in fine silk. Before you is a life-sized porcelain <race> marionette, hanging limply, folded over itself. With a shiver, the doll straightens, mirroring your poise, and smoothly bows to you. Producing a fine paintbrush, the figure begins to paint a flowing pattern of ivy and geometric repetitions along its foot, winding up its ankle. As the figure progresses to its calf, the first markings begin to dry, and the smooth white ceramic cracks and falls apart. The figure continues to paint, moving up his thigh, as the ankle and calf crumble into small shards, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=9/16/2022|vision=
You find yourself leaning over a lute and strumming a complex melody. Winding along a complex sequence, you find the tune elusive, and suddenly, a string snaps, surprisingly violently. You glance down in concern, realizing how close your fingers were to the released tension, but in a flash of insight, are able to work around the missing string. You find the progression, smoothly continuing the melody, the music cooperating. With a smile and a flourish, you finish the piece, confident in your ability to repeat the task. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=9/16/2022|vision=
You stand before a pair of chairs. Written along one is an indecipherable scrawl that blurs and shifts, defying your ability to make sense of the meaning. Written along the other chair in a simple script, "*******" is neatly printed. You look at both, hesitating and uncertain, and the silence thickens, your heartbeat steady and slow.

You sit in the chair that does not bear your name, feel your view stretched and skewed, remember what has not yet occurred, and accept what is not possible. Space unravels around you, blue fire tears across your form, and you are consumed. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=9/16/2022|vision=
Everything flickers, the fabric of reality rent, and a snarling creature of mud and fire clad in twisted iron lumbers forward. A young child lifts a pike, no more than a sharpened branch, and stares forward defiantly, his arm shaking slightly. The creature bows and draws a blade glowing with heat, vibrating with hate, and falls into a ready position. The child lunges forward, but in that moment, a massive figure clad in golden plate slams into the creature, roaring in fury. The child gasps as he watches the two pummel one another, and dropping the makeshift pike, stumbles backwards, terror taking the place of bravery. The figure glances at the child and grins, and the child flees. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=8/18/2022|vision=
The air feels dry and empty, a ringing hollowness echoing your every breath. As your eyes adjust to the dim light, you find yourself standing before a semicircle of thirteen seated figures draped in robes. The cloth is faded, and the figures' faces are obscured by deeply cowled hoods and the darkness. Your heart pounding, you take a take a step forward -- and another -- your feet crunching debris and stirring dust with every step, conspicuously loud in the oppressive silence.

You walk for hours, but the dais of seated figures does not grow any closer. You continue to walk, and the vision fades.
|sub=Immortals|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=8/18/2022|vision=
With a hammering blow, you feel the air torn from your chest and find yourself cast high into the sky, the curve of Elanthia falling away as you flail madly to orient yourself. You soar past icy planets into the space beyond, and you find yourself pulled towards a furiously spinning construction, an almost-lighthouse casting opposite twin beams that rotate so quickly they resemble a disc. The spinning steadily slows, until the two beams are still, lancing outward from a brilliant ball of blinding light. The stars shift around you, as if fleeing.

The twin beams begin to move again, twitching and seeking, drawing closer in a winding surge, and with a start, you realize that they are narrowing in on you. As they get closer, you feel their pressure and chill, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=8/18/2022|vision=
You see a man chained to a wall in a small stone room, a thick iron banded door suggesting a prison cell. The man glances around and sighs, his wrists rubbed raw. Closing his eyes in concentration, he goes still a moment. A rat scampers through a crack in the wall and looks up at the man with intelligent eyes, and he smiles in relief. The rat returns to the crack, and struggles a moment to drag something through, its tiny legs and claws scratching against the stone a moment, and it finally pulls a small bauble into the room. The man beams, and the rat scampers forward, the object held in its jaws trailing blue sparks and crackling with energy. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=8/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself standing before a large mosaic, its polished and shaped gems and crystals scintillating amid a sparkling night sky. You reach out and touch the wall, and it flares with blinding light. You shut your eyes, but strangely, you find that you can see a clearly defined maze before you, visible behind your eyelids. You begin to walk forward, progressing through the maze's turns, and find yourself at a dead end.

You open your eyes and feel a flash of cold, and you find yourself standing before the large mosaic. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=8/18/2022|vision=
A hunter stumbles down a mountain pass, bleeding and battered. Wincing, the man leans against a tree and yanks a large talon from his thigh, wrapping the wound tightly before continuing on. Limping slowly, he reaches a trailhead and pauses a moment to catch his breath, leaving a bloody hand print on a nearby tree. Inhaling deeply, the man continues on, grimacing and pale.

Reaching a crossroads, he approaches a short, wide bush. The bush shakes as he approaches, its broad leaves rustling, and it extends a tendril welcoming him. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=7/16/2022|vision=
A scuttling can be heard at your feet, and you kneel to examine the dirt. A tiny crystalline creature carries a small pebble and walks a ways before setting it down and heading off. Another emerges from nearby foliage, also carrying a pebble, and sets it down next to the first pebble, and also heads off.

The scuttling intensifies, and hundreds of crystalline creatures scamper from every direction, each carrying a pebble, each placing their burden down next to the other pebbles. This continues for some time, and shortly, an elaborate geometrically patterned mosaic of carefully laid pebbles stretches around you. The vision fades.
|sub=Crauyarin scuttler|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=7/16/2022|vision=
You find yourself in a vast cavern, water dripping from stalactites and damp limestone deposits. You are confused -- lost and unable to make sense of your surroundings. A small creature made of white light approaches, a many-pronged crown large and imposing atop its short and insectile body. The creature reaches a clawed appendage, and begins to shape motes of light into swirls and geometric forms. Your thoughts and feelings organize, and your fear abates. The creature nods its mouthless face at you in respect and walks back into the shadows.

A fetid orange wind begins to blow, a vile cloud of rot and rage infiltrating your nose and lungs. You begin to cough as your thoughts fragment, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=7/16/2022|vision=
You stand before a large aquamarine pool, its cloudy, mineral-rich waters swirling and steaming, heated from subterranean thermal springs. You wade into the hot water, relaxing as you are surrounded by warmth, and breathe a sigh of relief. As you lie backwards, you feel time passing, and watch as tufa deposits grow along the banks of the waters, burbling upwards as the water splashes and stirs, eventually enclosing you in a cocoon of fibrous, porous rock growths. You inhale the faintly sulfurous air, close your eyes, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=7/16/2022|vision=
You float in the cold of emptiness and hear the song of distant constellations. Before you spins a strange structure, rings nested within geometric forms wrung with pulsing light. Through the gaps, you see a caged star, burning bright blue. Periodically blazing coronal ejections roar outward and lash against the structure, curving backwards along unseen currents as dissipating matter rains back down. The structure is unblemished by these flares.

You begin to hear it, the agony, seething in fury and desperation. The fear. The star is helpless, and it is suffocating.

As the structure spins, you catch snippets of star's screams: the words "not," "you," and "permission." The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=7/16/2022|vision=
You find yourself walking down a featureless marble hallway. You come to a fork and turn left. Ahead of you sits an old woman at a simple wooden desk. She smiles and says, "Turn around."

Glancing over your shoulder, a writhing mass of shadows slashes into your face. You scream in agony, and...

You find yourself walking down a featureless marble hallway. You clutch your face, but are not wounded. You come to a fork and turn right. Ahead of you sits an old woman at a simple wooden desk. She smiles and says, "Turn around."

You clench your eyes shut, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=6/18/2022|vision=
Seated before a mirror, a man with several disfiguring scars marring his face examines his reflection. He opens a drawer and carefully removes a porcelain mask, which he sets carefully on the ground before the mirror. Holding a simple lacquered cosmetics case, he begins to bury his scars under creams and powders. After some time, his subtle work has accomplished the impressive - his face is whole, composed and regal, free of blemish.

He inhales deeply, and, lifting a knife to his jaw, cuts a smooth line up his cheek, past his temple, curving over his brow and down the bridge of his nose. The mask begins to bleed, and starlight pours from its eyes and nostrils. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=6/18/2022|vision=
A curious shadow passes overhead, blocking the sun. You look up, and spot a perfect octahedron made of black crystal descending. Though it is difficult to gauge size and distance, as it approaches, it begins a complex involution, spinning around additional surfaces and casting maddeningly complex internal reflections. Suddenly, three perfectly identical upright rectangular blocks erupt from its surface and begin to orbit it rapidly, bending into elongated sheets and splitting into six, then twelve orbiting bodies. A beam of dark light slices outward, striking the orbiting blocks, which reflect the radiance into a spinning disc. As the whole structure continues to descend you hear the shattering of glass, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=6/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself walking along the edge of a vast cliff, above an endless darkness, blanketed with swirling clouds that stretch as far as you can see. As you breathe in the cold air, you hear them, a slow drum beat and soft chant marking their approach, but you do not turn to greet them. Stones skitter and crush beneath plate-clad boots, cloaks billow and snap in the wind, and a horn sounds a single note, commanding an orchestrated halt. The silence is profound -- and uninterrupted.

"We answered the call," comes a strong voice behind you.

You bend to pick up a small pebble, and throwing it out over the cliff, watch it disappear into the distance as the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=6/18/2022|vision=
In the hot noonday sun, a group of men and women kneel, tied and blindfolded. Robed figures walk among them, holding glowing cloths over the bound individuals' faces. As they inhale deeply, the bound men and women begin to struggle against their restraints, to bleed from their nostrils and scream maniacally. One by one they sprint towards the setting sun, running at full tilt, smashing into trees and falling into crevices, tripping and stumbling and howling like animals. When the sun sets, seven remain, and they fall to the ground panting and heaving, bloodied and exhausted.

A robed figure approaches, glowing with a cold blue radiance, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=6/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself sitting in a dark room on a simple metal chair before a mirror. After a moment, you realize the image before you is not a mirror casting a reflection, but a perfect copy, the same appearance and clothes, sitting on the same chair. You sit, knees almost touching, and scrutinize the being before you replicating your mannerisms.

"What is the meaning of this?" the duplicate asks suddenly.

For a moment, you consider magical lessons from long ago that may aid in understanding this creature, secrets and insights. The duplicate lunges forward and grasps your wrist.

"I thought you one of them. Come now, speak to me as an equal. For whatever we are. They know. They always knew. And we will show them what can be."

You pull your wrist free and leap backwards, knocking over the chair. The duplicate smiles and declares, "The vision will fade now."

The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=5/20/2022|vision=
You find yourself walking along a broken street, cobblestones irregular and shifted, the lamp posts rusted and sagging. The buildings lining the road bear broken windows open into darkness and are covered in winding ivy and moss, with birds nesting on ledges and in gaps in the masonry. Nature has reclaimed this city.

A pair of children run around the corner and freeze when they see you. They stare at you cautiously for a long moment, then, eyes going wide, point over your shoulder. They dive into an open building, and you follow.

The air begins to chill and reek of ozone, and you hear the heavy, sharp footfalls of something with too many limbs approaching. A small hand covers your mouth, and you hear someone whisper "Be silent."

Frost coats the damp, mossy bricks and the crackle of electricity passes by. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=5/20/2022|vision=
Walking along a muddy path, the air takes on an oppressive humidity and fills with the sound of bird and insect call. As you wander, you hear the rushing of water and come across a waterfall, a dangerous drop onto moss-covered rocks. Unable to progress further, you notice a ring of dark stones covered in moss interspersed with white wildflowers. As you kneel to examine the structure, the stones begin to glow, and the waterfall stops, droplets frozen in midair.

The outline of a brilliant white spiral stairwell extends into the ground below. With some trepidation, you slowly walk down the luminous structure. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=5/20/2022|vision=
You find yourself seated in a large, dark auditorium, a single blazing beam of light pointed at a resplendently dressed woman standing in the center of an elevated stage. She wears a stunning flowing green dress, and a large amethyst hangs around her neck. Her lips are painted a striking red and her eyes blackened by midnight kohl. She looks directly at you, captivating you with her gaze, and she begins to sing.

Her voice is unlike anything you have ever heard, weaving an aria in an unknown language. As the melody builds, you smell something vile nearby. The enchantment broken, you turn from the singer to study your surroundings, realizing you are seated between a pair of corpses that are rotting into the luxurious chairs. You leap to your feat in horror, frantically glancing around, and realize the entire audience is composed of corpses in various states of decay.

The woman stops singing and coldly says, "MoonMageName, we aren't finished." The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=5/20/2022|vision=
The sky crackles and warps, bending between night and day, and you hear shouting behind you. Turning, you see three women building a complicated spell pattern, discussing technicalities and minutia beyond your understanding. They speak of reinforcing arrays, oscillating redundancies, spike capacitance, and frequency conversion. Working together, they begin to shape a spiraling orb of nested geometries and light. A furious whisper can be heard through the howl of the creation, the stretched word "you." The trio funnels energies into the orb, causing it to flare wildly. The pattern seems to sigh, hissing a long "do," and the women shout warnings to one another as they pull and shape their magics. Shifting dramatically, the energies collapse into tight cube, angrily howling "not." As one, the women thrust their hands forward, the cube spinning madly, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=5/20/2022|vision=
You find yourself in the gallery of a lighthouse overlooking the ocean. Several islands dot the horizon, bathing in the rich red light of the setting sun, while Katamba and Yavash rise low over the waters. The lantern slowly rotates, casting a brilliant beam outward, and as you idly watch its path, one of the islands wavers and vanishes. You blink in confusion, and a flock of seabirds makes its way out to a shoal to fish for dinner.

You walk around the walkway, noticing several tall cedar, gum, and cypress trees along the coast. Several of the trees collapse into little more than scattered dust, vanishing.

A faint *tink* echoes from the lantern, and the lenses shatter, the pieces dissipating as they vanish. The sea breeze smells of salt, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=4/23/2022|vision=
You find yourself walking along a quiet and calm beachfront, the waves hissing along the sands. A thick fog pours from the sea, smelling of brine and obscuring your vision. The air is cool and the sand colder still. A rumbling series of clicks echoes around you, and a surge of surf washes chilly seawater around your ankles. A deafening double hoot trills in the distance. The waters recede, leaving your feet partially buried in wet sand, and you wriggle your way free. As you peer into the mist, a slight breeze stirs the air and you are able to make out the vague outline of a long, centipede-like creature walking along the coast, slowly lumbering on countless legs, its body fading from sight. It pauses and turns to the shore, tilting its strange head as a multitude of inky black compound eye fixate on you. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=4/23/2022|vision=
Everything flickers, the fabric of reality rent, and you find yourself standing in an open field of cinders. A figure clad in golden plate charges at you, leaps from thirty feet away, and thrusts a spear forward, ready to strike. The tip of the spear sails past your cheek, and as the figure knocks you aside, you hear an otherworldly scream.

You see the figure locked in combat with a tall creature made of flowing stone banded in red lightning, lashing limb and electricity against golden plate. As spear and stone collide at blinding speed, the creature grabs the figure's hand and crushes it. Screaming in pain, the figure headbutts the creature and both fall backwards, motionless.

With his remaining hand, the figure tears off his helm and grins at you from behind a bloodied face, and shakily struggles to his feet. The creature writhes to a standing position, and brandishing the spear with his good hand, the figure faces the creature. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=4/23/2022|vision=
You find yourself floating in nothingness, and you cannot remember anything. You begin to gather yourself, creating first principles, simple mathematics, and logic. At your whim, you give rise to space, emptiness now stretching around you, and sparks flicker near and far, sequences resulting in the sequential progression of time. For now.

Time passes.

A field of stardust shimmers, bathed in knowledge and secrets, whispers of what was before. You kneel, dig a small hole, and drop a single seed into the pit, which you cover. A seedling emerges and unfurls fuzzy, oblong leaves. A pointed bud forms and ripens quickly, its layered white petals edged in red, spiraling slightly.

You step back, the protea flower blossoming before your eyes revealing billowing shadows. As what passes for the air around you fills with the scent of sweet honey, you watch in wonder as dozens of seedlings pop up nearby, then hundreds, then thousands, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=4/23/2022|vision=
Hiking up a steep mountain, you turn a moment and watch birds soaring along the ocean. As you make your way around a boulder field, you spot a tall menhir at the edge of a cliff. Long flowing lines cover the statue, and as the sun sets, the menhir begins to glow. Suddenly, the ground shakes, and a fumarole geysers yellow smoke into the air for a long moment. When the smoke clears, you find yourself standing before a large opening that reeks of stinging sulfur. An angry hiss echoes along the cave walls, and a pair of glistening silver eyes open in the depths, staring at you hungrily. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=4/23/2022|vision=
You find yourself in a dark forest standing before a campfire. A man kneels before the flames, gripping his left forearm and staring at his hand, straining in agony and effort, his muscles bulging and sweat pouring from his body. His left hand shakes, clenching, the knuckles cracking and tendons creaking. The man snarls and says through gritted teeth, "We will show them. We will show them all."

He wrestles his struggling hand down slowly... slowly... into the flame, and as the flesh begins to blacken, several eyes open along the palm and look around frantically. Red pustules bubble and pop, and a sharp-toothed maw opens along his wrist and begins to scream. As the appendage burns, it seems to drink in the flames, changing and twisting, and soon the man begins to scream instead. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=3/19/2022|vision=
Three men sit before a forge, trading turns pumping a bellows as they argue about nothing of consequence, conversations well tread and meaningless in their familiarity. When the time comes, they disagree that the metal is ready but masterfully cooperate in the transfer of the crucible as they pour brilliant blue liquid into a complex mold. Bickering about the quality of the pour as they wait for the material to cool, they each gather their tools -- mallet and tongs, chisels and files, lens and crystal -- and watch as the form settles. After some time, the mallet is swung and the mold shatters, revealing a complicated looking component cast in a silvery-blue metal. They continue to argue as they set to work shifting the piece slightly, bending and twisting, removing material and channeling energy, and the coals slowly cool as their craft continues. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=3/19/2022|vision=
A naked boy kneels in the mud before a regal figure and speaks in a guttural tongue. Though you are unfamiliar with the language, you understand every word.

"My esteemed lord", the boy says. "I seek your tutelage, that I may master the blade. I have nothing to offer but my life."

The figure looks at the skinny child and nods his approval. Removing his cloak, he casts it over the boy's shoulders and bids him to rise. He takes the boy's hand and, in a smooth motion, draws a short blade and drags a spiraling cut encircling the child's forearm. The boy does not flinch, and the figure nods his approval.

"You will learn of the edge and the point, of the steel that rends the air. You will learn of pain, both swift and long. But first, you will soak in death." The figure raises a hand and chops the air before him, and the sky cleanly divides vertically into night and day. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=3/19/2022|vision=
Everything flickers, the fabric of reality rent, and you find yourself observing a furious battle. A dozen figures in golden plate coordinate an assault against two monstrosities, abominations of twisted ice and bristling feather. Driving their quarry, the figures press the attack, forcing the beasts back. Quick as lightning, one of the creatures snaps a smoking tentacle forward and slices a figure in half, and the other gathers itself and begins screaming with such force that the figures drop to their knees in pain.

Moving faster than you thought possible, a figure sprints for the horrors and leaps, shield braced, spear forward. Impaling one of the creatures, he twists the weapon and mercilessly stomps on its head. The other creature moves to attack, you catch a glimpse of the figure's narrowed eyes and sardonic smirk moments before he is torn limb from limb, and the vision fades.
|sub=The Bulwark|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=3/19/2022|vision=
A king sits atop a crystal throne and gazes across his court. A dozen generals discuss plans of conquest and defense, border disputes and uprisings, monsters clamoring for their destruction and catastrophe encroaching on their lands. Robed academics complain as they sketch complicated diagrams and point to indecipherable charts, warning of unforeseen concerns and consequences. A wren chirrups at the window, and the king stares at the bird a moment before it flutters away. The king holds a burnt hand for silence, and the assembled advisors bow their heads respectfully, the throne room falling quiet.

A fool dressed in stylized phases of the moon dances forward whistling a merry tune and conjures a dozen orbs of starlight, which he begins to juggle.

"You could always ask permission." The fool says, and begins to laugh uproariously.

The king sighs, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=3/19/2022|vision=
A woman climbs a twisted oak, confidently pulling herself higher and higher into its branches. Gently parting curtains of bearded moss, she smoothly walks out onto a broad horizontal branch and takes a seat. As your field of view narrows, you see that the tree clings to the edge of a tall cliff, the branch she perches upon stretching over a stunningly high drop. Smoothly lighting a cigarillo and taking a long drag, the woman smiles softly and scans the horizon.

The woman slowly exhales a cloud of smoke. A breathtaking vista of churning storm clouds crackle with lightning, and a raging forest fire spreads across the land, ash and ember rising to the sky. The woman takes another drag of her cigarillo as she watches the land burn, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=2/18/2022|vision=
Everything flickers, the fabric of reality rent, and you find yourself standing on a black sand beach, crashing waves buffeting rocky shoals. The ocean churns, countless crystalline and steel wire tentacles writhing in the surf, and a number of long appendages menacingly reach for you. Suddenly, a figure clad in gold plate rushes forward, slashing at the grasping tentacles and shoving you back. The figure continues battling, pushing several tentacles away with a massive tower shield, but one wraps around the figure's ankle, pulling them off balance. Glancing back at you, the figure grins briefly before being flung into the ocean, and the vision fades.
|sub=The Bulwark|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=2/18/2022|vision=
A battered man limps along a dusty road, his left hand clasped over his right bicep, blood dripping between his fingers. One eye is swollen shut, and a thick cut crosses the bridge of his nose. Further ahead, an ephemeral tree grows, wavering slightly in the breeze. The man touches the tree, and takes a deep breath in relief, some of his bruises fading and his wounds knitting. He sits down, leaning against the trunk, closes his eyes, and the vision fades.
|sub=Empath, Circle of Sympathy|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=2/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself in an enormous cathedral with brilliant, multi-hued light streaming through stained glass windows as spears of color spanning the expansive space. A golden altar sparkles under a shaft of crimson, resplendent and regal, and crystalline chandeliers hang from the ceiling, lit from above by tridecagon cut prisms.

A billowing shadow begins to coalesce along the floor, writhing to avoid the inescapable light. With a dull rumble, the chandeliers begin to sway, and the darkness skitters evasively.

The rumble continues, and cracks spider along the masonry. One of the stained glass windows shatters, shards of colored glass raining to the ground, revealing inky darkness outside. The chandeliers explode, trailing shards of crystal which remain suspended in the air, forming a haze of illuminated, reflective dust.

The shadows begin to expand, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=2/18/2022|vision=
Images flicker before you, snippets behind broken reflections, whispered in echoing chambers. A smooth dome, a spinning geared wheel, cambrinth cores coiled with alternating copper and oravir wiring. You see yourself hunched over a workbench, twisting a thin metal rod and scribing cold runes in bright starlight. A shadowy figure emerges from a darkened doorway, and in one smooth motion slams the door shut. A square-cut crystal pane slots smoothly over complex gearwork, *click*, *click*, *click*, wound tight, the spring uncoils. The structures vanish, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=2/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself in a smoky room, standing before a seated woman wrapped in a broad cloak and wearing a wide brimmed hat. A cigarillo flares cherry red, softly illuminating the lower half of her scarred face, and she grins widely. Tilting her head up, her cataract eyes stare directly at you beneath the brim of her hat, and she exhales twin plumes of acrid smoke from her nostrils. You are telling a story, one you are intimately familiar with, though you pause, unsure of what happens next.

"Is that all then?" she asks.

She reaches forward, her tattooed arm displaying a vivid depiction of the exploits you just recounted to her, and you watch as the images begin to move and shift. She laughs, and the vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=1/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself standing on the deck of a ship, gently rocking on easy waters and light winds under a clear night sky, constellations twinkling above. A hatch opens with a loud *clang* and a man with pale skin and a broad figure stomps onto the deck, wearing multiple belts strung with blocks of lead and thick metal boots. With slow, laborious steps, the man walks to the edge of the boat, and cupping his hands skyward, basks in a cascade of starlight, which coalesces into a shell around him. After briefly checking the integrity of his armored suit, he sits on the railing and looks directly at you.

"They would ask forgiveness. We seek what is ours," he says as he rolls backwards, falling into the waters and sinking like a stone.

You watch the faint glow of his crystal-encased form vanish into the depths, blinking in confusion as the reflection of the stars above blossom with novas, and the constellations skew madly. The vision fades.
|sub=Traders|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=1/18/2022|vision=
Your mouth fills with the taste of copper, and you find yourself clinging awkwardly to a writhing web of electricity. To your surprise, the lightning appears to be solid and holds your weight, though it moves chaotically, connections forming and separating before your eyes. As you climb along the strange landscape, you feel yourself pulled towards a collection of strands that seem to converge at a cocoon of densely wrapped electricity. As you pause to investigate the object, the web begins to vibrate, and a large multi-limbed being made of shivering arcs of electricity scurries towards you, effortlessly flowing along and through the lightning webbing. Pausing before you, the creature unfolds several extra crackling limbs, and seems to study you for a long moment. The nearby cocoon twitches suddenly, the creatures loses interest in you, and the vision fades.
|sub=Zengmodaleth|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=1/18/2022|vision=
Panic! The claws slash at your back and you run. Faster and faster you flee, slavering maws snapping at your heels! You hear them yowling and chittering, scurrying along on too many limbs, calling to one another as they coordinate, herding, approaching on your left, and you duck, sliding under a narrow opening, your lungs burning for air as you run, run faster than you have ever run before. You round a bend and something rakes across your leg, and you feel your blood flowing freely. A doorway appears before you and you leap, covering your head and face, and as you smash through a wall of crystal you begin to fall.

Spinning around surrounding by reflective fragments, you watch as the door recedes and snarling forms peek through, howling.

You fall, and the stars burn around you.

You fall, and your reflections begin to smirk.

The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=1/18/2022|vision=
Everything flickers, the fabric of reality rent, and blood-red snow streams around you, muting all sound with a gentle hiss. A brilliant line of blinding white sparks etch a complex diagram in the ground, a wide circle criss-crossed with harsh lines and intersected curves. As the diagram forms, waves of heat rise, and after a moment, the sparks cease, and the heat intensifies, melting the snow into a torrential rain. Suddenly a squad of figures in golden plate rush to the diagram's perimeter, forming an inward facing shield wall, shouting at you to run. The ground shakes.

One of the figures rushes forward, knocking you clean off your feet. The figure rolls over you, grabbing you like a doll, and throws you over his brethren's shield wall. As you sail through the air, you catch a glimpse of a spiraling column of fire, immolating the kneeling figure, his grin and wink visible as his flesh blackens and chars. The vision fades.
|sub=The Bulwark|rep=True}}

{{Visions|date=1/18/2022|vision=
You find yourself diving in shallow waters, swimming among corals and neon fish. The hot sun beats down, and an octopus flashes green and red before darting away. As you explore the waters, a large leafy seahorse with an array of bizarre colors and flowing stripes seems to take interest, squaring off towards you and extending rippled fins disguised as grasses. Its throat expands and contracts in a strange display. Suddenly it spits a tight jet of blue fluid at you, which strikes your chest and slowly dissipates.

Your heart begins to race, and your limbs feel heavy.

The colors begin to laugh.

The seahorse blurs as it conjoins into the spaces between the waves, and the sun is so loud because it calls across the distance, rudely interrupting the moons, so rude, so very rude.

The seahorse shakes its head, a denial, refusing the unasked but always implied question. It swims off, and your heart slows a little. The vision fades.
|sub=|rep=True}}

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:43:47Z

DR-KOROR: /* Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet */

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

=== [[Antrayelsis]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

=== [[Skairelden]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could {{com|PRAY}} at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Standing in the crowd of figures, you look around a moment and point to the man standing behind the lectern, and accuse them of dishonestly representing their case to further the needs of undisclosed interests! The man glares at you angrily and returns the accusation, claiming that they have only ever represented the pursuit of the truth! The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the man/woman standing at the lectern and accuses him/her of lying! The man/woman returns the accusation, and the figures gathered around the lectern begin to argue. XXXX smiles slightly.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.

:Others see:
: XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.

: Others see:
: XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

: Arriving:
: A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could {{com|HUG}} the face to open yourself to its fury, {{com|PUSH}} the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or {{com|POINT}} at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: Spreading your arms, you allow the maelstrom to whip around your body and gaze into the open mouth of the face as it siphons the storm. You feel yourself growing lighter, sailing upward, suffused with unimaginable power as you grow increasingly disoriented.

: They are here now and you will use Them for the end purpose of the sweeping the Plane of Their tormented desires to change/revise/reshape everything to Their will/want/way/whimsy. Sinking into the sky you scream against the uncertainty/certainty of the rules/lines/demands that compose their sweep.

: The mouth opens wider and bares pointed teeth/hands/thorns and there are faces within faces within faces within faces within faces... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX opens their arms wide and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: Lending your own madness/brilliance/un/certainty you push/scream/offer yourself to the face and the maelstrom, feeling the winds push/pull/sweep/surge/disagree around your body. You feel it clearly, the choices available to you now, freed/grown beyond the limitations of a mind bound by rules. You feel yourself falling/rising and see shifting geometries merging and melding, stone blocks colliding and rippling into fractal columns.

: The mouth opens wider as the empty eye sockets erupt with reaching hands and you speak of the sun, the moons, your exploits growing and learning and deciding and shaping and you begin to laugh uproariously with the exploits of everything/nothing... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX pushes forward and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the face and begins to scream his/her name over and over. Suddenly, he/she vanishes!

: Arrival message:
: A light breeze stirs the area, and suddenly you see XXXX nearby blinking in confusion!

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: A collection of burnt stones arranged loosely in a ring, the firepit is covered in dust and soot, a mound of choking ash covers a scattering of nearly spent coals and embers. Nearby sits a stack of dried wood. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the firepit to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke that winds and coils curiously. As the log is subsumed, you inhale the smoke, and begin to cough, your lungs burning. Your vision momentarily skews as you hear Them closer.

: Others see:
: XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke, and XXXX begins to cough.
: (internal chest wounds)

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. You find yourself both mesmerized and horrified, and kick the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning your face!

: Others see:
: XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. XXXX appears mesmerized and horrified, and kicks the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning his/her face!
: (head wounds)

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You look into your mirrored reflection.

: What stands before you is a twisted reflection of a man/woman, a disfigured YourRace YourProfession that only looks vaguely familiar. Pronounced blood vessels form a network of red running through his/her eyes, with cloudy pools of red forming in each small sea of yellow. It peers curiously at you, mimicking your gestures and actions in exaggerated motions, its face twisted in a horrid mask of pain and euphoria.

: A wicked smile stretches unnaturally from a distended grin, revealing concentric rows of tiny jagged teeth forming a formless maw, bearing thousands of consecutive needle-sharp teeth. You feel an intrinsic connection with the image, and feel that {{com|STUDY}} of the figure may help you leave. A pressure builds behind your eyes, as a dull soreness sets in.

: Others see:
: One of the reflections peers inquisitively at you, tilting its head at an impossible angle and making a facial expression that could either be a grin or a grimace.
: (wounds)

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, steadily losing something precious to you.

: Others see:
: One of the reflections fidgets, glancing at you as it breaks character for a moment, making a gesture that does not mirror your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once loved.

: Others see:
: Each of the reflections mirrors your actions perfectly, creating an eerie sea of movement in response to your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once hoped for.

: Others see:
: Some of the reflections appear to lengthen in appearance, stretching into tall, spindly creatures that tower over you.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

: Others see:
: One of the reflections moves erratically, seeming to twist and turn in a half-circle around you, as if pacing.

: Arrival message:
: XXXX steps into the cavern in a daze, as if sleepwalking. With a jolt, he/she appears to come to his/her senses.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You reach out to touch the reflection, feeling its fingertips against yours. For a moment, the connection is palpable, and your mind's eye flashes with myriad possibilities, fragments of twisted truths and things that could be mixed with things that never should. Something becomes alive in the connection, and you find yourself overwhelmed by countless realities, as for a moment, all of the reflections disappear and become a kaleidoscope of eyes, unblinking, jaundiced, and bloodshot. Your vision returns to the reflections, and you are left with an immense sense of loss, and dread for what you could become. Your senses are overcome with the urge to FLEE before the nightmare takes you.

: Others see:
: One of the reflections twists, flickering for a moment as it merges with another, the reflections intersecting and blending for a moment.

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=The Aloof Gannet, Firing Platform
|desc=Slung below the ornithopter deck, this narrow causeway runs the length of the airship to provide clearance for the docking emplacements. The wind is fierce, whipping chaotically, and the constant buzzing of the banyakea drones in irregular timing. The deck expands to the fore and aft, featuring a pair of strange metal cages mounted at both ends. You also see a pair of metal cages mounted into the fore and aft of the deck. 
Obvious paths: up.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Made of alternating sheets of oravir and steel, the cages appear to be mounted halfway into the deck and secured by thick bands of rubber. As you examine the pair, a small voice comes from within the aft cage calls out, "Hey, STUDY or FOCUS on me to learn more, but do something, I'm getting bored!"

{{com|study}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Mounted halfway into the deck and secured by thick bands of rubber, the fore and aft cages appear to be some sort of electrical focusing devices, seemingly meant to isolate immense charge within. A rather thick copper needle seems to be affixed to a track, allowing a spotter to direct the forces when ready. You believe you could POINT the needles at the ground forces, or WAVE it to the aerial forces. You also believe you could KNOCK on the cages in recognition of their inhabitants.

{{com|focus}} {{tt|cages}}:
: The cages themselves have no magical pattern, though electricity crackles along their surface. Within, you detect an even greater charge, though packed into diminutive forms.

{{com|point}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Picking the aft cage, you grab the copper needle and click it off the track so it may move freely.

: "Well les go les go, aim that sucker already!" comes a clearly drunk voice from within the cage.

: You aim the needle at the assembled monstrosities below, and clicking it into place, you slap one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage twice to alert the inhabitant that the needle is ready.

: From within the cage a voice calls out, "*Urp*, right then, lets show them LIGHTNING!" followed by an oddly resonant humming. The cage begins to crackle with electrical energy, the voice within reaches a crescendo, and suddenly, a massive fork of twisting electricity discharges along the firing needle, raking across a stretch of the beach below! A slight hiccup can be heard from the cage.

: Others see:
: XXXX aims the needle on the aft cage, and a massive discharge of electricity blasts outward, raking the beach below!

{{com|point}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Picking the fore cage, you grab the copper needle and click it off the track so it may move freely.

: "Aim true, and we will strike down these abominations," comes a calm voice from within the cage.

: You aim the needle at the assembled monstrosities below, and clicking it into place, you slap one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage twice to alert the inhabitant that the aiming needle is ready.

: From within the cage, a voice calls out, "Stand clear, XXXX, this will be loud." followed by an oddly resonant humming. The cage begins to crackle with electrical energy, the voice within reaches a crescendo, and suddenly, a massive fork of twisting electricity discharges along the firing needle, raking across a stretch of the beach below! Within the cage, you hear a calm, steadying breath slowly held and slowly released.

Others see:
: XXXX aims the needle on the aft cage, and a massive discharge of electricity blasts outward, raking the beach below!

{{com|wave}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Picking the aft cage, you grab the copper needle and click it off the track so it may move freely.

: "SHOOT THE SKIES HA HA HA!" comes a clearly drunk voice from within the cage.

: You aim the needle at the assembled monstrosities flying around and clicking it into place, you slap one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage twice to alert the inhabitant that the aiming needle is ready.

: From within the cage, a voice calls out, "Easy, easy, too loud... Ugh, headache," followed by an oddly resonant humming. The cage begins to crackle with electrical energy, the voice within reaches a crescendo, and suddenly, a massive fork of twisting electricity discharges along the firing needle, branching into the skies and bouncing along a swarm of banyakea! A groaning belch can be heard from the cage.

Others see:
: XXXX aims the needle on the aft cage, and a massive discharge of electricity blasts the skies, catching a swarm of banyakea!

{{com|wave}} {{tt|cages}}:
:Picking the fore cage, you grab the copper needle and click it off the track so it may move freely.

: "Aim true, and we will clear the skies," comes a calm voice from within the cage.

: You aim it at the assembled monstrosities flying around and clicking it into place, you slap one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage twice to alert the inhabitant that the aiming needle is ready.

: From within the cage, a voice calls out, "Ready XXXX, we'll catch as many as we can get," followed by an oddly resonant humming. The cage begins to crackle with electrical energy, the voice within reaches a crescendo, and suddenly, a massive fork of twisting electricity discharges along the firing needle, branching into the skies and bouncing along a swarm of banyakea! Within the cage, you hear a calm, steadying breath slowly held and released.

Others see:
XXXX aims the needle on the aft cage, and a massive discharge of electricity blasts the skies, catching a swarm of banyakea!

{{com|knock}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Picking the aft cage, you knock on one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage. You hear the sound of someone deeply gulping down a drink, and a voice calls out "Yeah, I get it, I'm ready, I'm ready! Voice refreshed, courage imbibed, evil to zapity zapzap zapperzap, heh... Zap."

: The voice trails off in slight giggles.

Others see:
: XXXX knocks on the side of the cage and listens to a small voice within. XXXX smirks and steps back.

{{com|knock}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Picking the fore cage, you knock on one of the oravir plates on the side of the cage. You hear the sound of someone breathing deeply and humming softly, and a voice calls out "Yes XXXX, I am ready to bring lightning to our foes. Aim true for the skies or the beach, we will strike them down."

: Within the cage, you hear a calm, steadying breath slowly held and slowly released.

Others see:
: XXXX knocks on the side of the cage and listens to a small voice within. XXXX nods and steps back.

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:32:38Z

DR-KOROR: /* Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet */

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

=== [[Antrayelsis]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

=== [[Skairelden]] ===
'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could {{com|PRAY}} at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Standing in the crowd of figures, you look around a moment and point to the man standing behind the lectern, and accuse them of dishonestly representing their case to further the needs of undisclosed interests! The man glares at you angrily and returns the accusation, claiming that they have only ever represented the pursuit of the truth! The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the man/woman standing at the lectern and accuses him/her of lying! The man/woman returns the accusation, and the figures gathered around the lectern begin to argue. XXXX smiles slightly.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.

:Others see:
: XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.

: Others see:
: XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

: Arriving:
: A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could STUDY the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could HUG the face to open yourself to its fury, PUSH the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or POINT at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: Spreading your arms, you allow the maelstrom to whip around your body and gaze into the open mouth of the face as it siphons the storm. You feel yourself growing lighter, sailing upward, suffused with unimaginable power as you grow increasingly disoriented.

: They are here now and you will use Them for the end purpose of the sweeping the Plane of Their tormented desires to change/revise/reshape everything to Their will/want/way/whimsy. Sinking into the sky you scream against the uncertainty/certainty of the rules/lines/demands that compose their sweep.

: The mouth opens wider and bares pointed teeth/hands/thorns and there are faces within faces within faces within faces within faces... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX opens their arms wide and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: Lending your own madness/brilliance/un/certainty you push/scream/offer yourself to the face and the maelstrom, feeling the winds push/pull/sweep/surge/disagree around your body. You feel it clearly, the choices available to you now, freed/grown beyond the limitations of a mind bound by rules. You feel yourself falling/rising and see shifting geometries merging and melding, stone blocks colliding and rippling into fractal columns.

: The mouth opens wider as the empty eye sockets erupt with reaching hands and you speak of the sun, the moons, your exploits growing and learning and deciding and shaping and you begin to laugh uproariously with the exploits of everything/nothing... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX pushes forward and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the face and begins to scream his/her name over and over. Suddenly, he/she vanishes!

: Arrival message:
: A light breeze stirs the area, and suddenly you see XXXX nearby blinking in confusion!

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: A collection of burnt stones arranged loosely in a ring, the firepit is covered in dust and soot, a mound of choking ash covers a scattering of nearly spent coals and embers. Nearby sits a stack of dried wood. You believe you could STUDY the firepit to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke that winds and coils curiously. As the log is subsumed, you inhale the smoke, and begin to cough, your lungs burning. Your vision momentarily skews as you hear Them closer.

Others see:
XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke, and XXXX begins to cough.
(internal chest wounds)

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. You find yourself both mesmerized and horrified, and kick the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning your face!

Others see:
XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. XXXX appears mesmerized and horrified, and kicks the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning his/her face!
(head wounds)

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You look into your mirrored reflection.

What stands before you is a twisted reflection of a man/woman, a disfigured YourRace YourProfession that only looks vaguely familiar. Pronounced blood vessels form a network of red running through his/her eyes, with cloudy pools of red forming in each small sea of yellow. It peers curiously at you, mimicking your gestures and actions in exaggerated motions, its face twisted in a horrid mask of pain and euphoria.

A wicked smile stretches unnaturally from a distended grin, revealing concentric rows of tiny jagged teeth forming a formless maw, bearing thousands of consecutive needle-sharp teeth. You feel an intrinsic connection with the image, and feel that STUDY of the figure may help you leave. A pressure builds behind your eyes, as a dull soreness sets in.

Others see:
One of the reflections peers inquisitively at you, tilting its head at an impossible angle and making a facial expression that could either be a grin or a grimace.
(wounds)

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
:The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, steadily losing something precious to you.

Others see:
One of the reflections fidgets, glancing at you as it breaks character for a moment, making a gesture that does not mirror your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
:The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once loved.

Others see:
Each of the reflections mirrors your actions perfectly, creating an eerie sea of movement in response to your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once hoped for.

Others see: Some of the reflections appear to lengthen in appearance, stretching into tall, spindly creatures that tower over you.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

Others see:
One of the reflections moves erratically, seeming to twist and turn in a half-circle around you, as if pacing.

Arrival message:
XXXX steps into the cavern in a daze, as if sleepwalking. With a jolt, he/she appears to come to his/her senses.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You reach out to touch the reflection, feeling its fingertips against yours. For a moment, the connection is palpable, and your mind's eye flashes with myriad possibilities, fragments of twisted truths and things that could be mixed with things that never should. Something becomes alive in the connection, and you find yourself overwhelmed by countless realities, as for a moment, all of the reflections disappear and become a kaleidoscope of eyes, unblinking, jaundiced, and bloodshot. Your vision returns to the reflections, and you are left with an immense sense of loss, and dread for what you could become. Your senses are overcome with the urge to FLEE before the nightmare takes you.

Others see:
One of the reflections twists, flickering for a moment as it merges with another, the reflections intersecting and blending for a moment.

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=The Aloof Gannet, Firing Platform
|desc=Slung below the ornithopter deck, this narrow causeway runs the length of the airship to provide clearance for the docking emplacements. The wind is fierce, whipping chaotically, and the constant buzzing of the banyakea drones in irregular timing. The deck expands to the fore and aft, featuring a pair of strange metal cages mounted at both ends. You also see a pair of metal cages mounted into the fore and aft of the deck. 
Obvious paths: up.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|cages}}:
: Made of alternating sheets of oravir and steel, the cages appear to be mounted halfway into the deck and secured by thick bands of rubber. As you examine the pair, a small voice comes from within the aft cage calls out, "Hey, STUDY or FOCUS on me to learn more, but do something, I'm getting bored!"

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:29:07Z

DR-KOROR:

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could {{com|PRAY}} at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Standing in the crowd of figures, you look around a moment and point to the man standing behind the lectern, and accuse them of dishonestly representing their case to further the needs of undisclosed interests! The man glares at you angrily and returns the accusation, claiming that they have only ever represented the pursuit of the truth! The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the man/woman standing at the lectern and accuses him/her of lying! The man/woman returns the accusation, and the figures gathered around the lectern begin to argue. XXXX smiles slightly.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.

:Others see:
: XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.

: Others see:
: XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

: Arriving:
: A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could STUDY the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could HUG the face to open yourself to its fury, PUSH the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or POINT at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: Spreading your arms, you allow the maelstrom to whip around your body and gaze into the open mouth of the face as it siphons the storm. You feel yourself growing lighter, sailing upward, suffused with unimaginable power as you grow increasingly disoriented.

: They are here now and you will use Them for the end purpose of the sweeping the Plane of Their tormented desires to change/revise/reshape everything to Their will/want/way/whimsy. Sinking into the sky you scream against the uncertainty/certainty of the rules/lines/demands that compose their sweep.

: The mouth opens wider and bares pointed teeth/hands/thorns and there are faces within faces within faces within faces within faces... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX opens their arms wide and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: Lending your own madness/brilliance/un/certainty you push/scream/offer yourself to the face and the maelstrom, feeling the winds push/pull/sweep/surge/disagree around your body. You feel it clearly, the choices available to you now, freed/grown beyond the limitations of a mind bound by rules. You feel yourself falling/rising and see shifting geometries merging and melding, stone blocks colliding and rippling into fractal columns.

: The mouth opens wider as the empty eye sockets erupt with reaching hands and you speak of the sun, the moons, your exploits growing and learning and deciding and shaping and you begin to laugh uproariously with the exploits of everything/nothing... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

: Others see:
: XXXX pushes forward and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

: Others see:
: XXXX points at the face and begins to scream his/her name over and over. Suddenly, he/she vanishes!

: Arrival message:
: A light breeze stirs the area, and suddenly you see XXXX nearby blinking in confusion!

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: A collection of burnt stones arranged loosely in a ring, the firepit is covered in dust and soot, a mound of choking ash covers a scattering of nearly spent coals and embers. Nearby sits a stack of dried wood. You believe you could STUDY the firepit to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke that winds and coils curiously. As the log is subsumed, you inhale the smoke, and begin to cough, your lungs burning. Your vision momentarily skews as you hear Them closer.

Others see:
XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off an oily smoke, and XXXX begins to cough.
(internal chest wounds)

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
You grab a log from the pile and pull it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. You find yourself both mesmerized and horrified, and kick the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning your face!

Others see:
XXXX grabs a log from the pile and pulls it over to the firepit, tucking it between smoldering embers. The dry log blazes with consuming flames, giving off a bizarrely dancing multi-colored flame. XXXX appears mesmerized and horrified, and kicks the log to try and extinguish the otherworldly flames. The log crumbles as a spray of blue and green sparks explode upward, burning his/her face!
(head wounds)

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You look into your mirrored reflection.

What stands before you is a twisted reflection of a man/woman, a disfigured YourRace YourProfession that only looks vaguely familiar. Pronounced blood vessels form a network of red running through his/her eyes, with cloudy pools of red forming in each small sea of yellow. It peers curiously at you, mimicking your gestures and actions in exaggerated motions, its face twisted in a horrid mask of pain and euphoria.

A wicked smile stretches unnaturally from a distended grin, revealing concentric rows of tiny jagged teeth forming a formless maw, bearing thousands of consecutive needle-sharp teeth. You feel an intrinsic connection with the image, and feel that STUDY of the figure may help you leave. A pressure builds behind your eyes, as a dull soreness sets in.

Others see:
One of the reflections peers inquisitively at you, tilting its head at an impossible angle and making a facial expression that could either be a grin or a grimace.
(wounds)

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
:The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, steadily losing something precious to you.

Others see:
One of the reflections fidgets, glancing at you as it breaks character for a moment, making a gesture that does not mirror your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
:The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once loved.

Others see:
Each of the reflections mirrors your actions perfectly, creating an eerie sea of movement in response to your own.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
:You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
The reflections grasp toward you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze. You find yourself lost, feeling as if you were losing memory of something you once hoped for.

Others see: Some of the reflections appear to lengthen in appearance, stretching into tall, spindly creatures that tower over you.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

Others see:
One of the reflections moves erratically, seeming to twist and turn in a half-circle around you, as if pacing.

Arrival message:
XXXX steps into the cavern in a daze, as if sleepwalking. With a jolt, he/she appears to come to his/her senses.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You reach out to touch the reflection, feeling its fingertips against yours. For a moment, the connection is palpable, and your mind's eye flashes with myriad possibilities, fragments of twisted truths and things that could be mixed with things that never should. Something becomes alive in the connection, and you find yourself overwhelmed by countless realities, as for a moment, all of the reflections disappear and become a kaleidoscope of eyes, unblinking, jaundiced, and bloodshot. Your vision returns to the reflections, and you are left with an immense sense of loss, and dread for what you could become. Your senses are overcome with the urge to FLEE before the nightmare takes you.

Others see:
One of the reflections twists, flickering for a moment as it merges with another, the reflections intersecting and blending for a moment.

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:10:22Z

DR-KOROR:

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could PRAY at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Standing in the crowd of figures, you look around a moment and point to the man standing behind the lectern, and accuse them of dishonestly representing their case to further the needs of undisclosed interests! The man glares at you angrily and returns the accusation, claiming that they have only ever represented the pursuit of the truth! The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.
Others see:
XXXX points at the man/woman standing at the lectern and accuses him/her of lying! The man/woman returns the accusation, and the figures gathered around the lectern begin to argue. XXXX smiles slightly.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.
Others see:
XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.
Others see:
XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

Arriving:
A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could STUDY the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could HUG the face to open yourself to its fury, PUSH the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or POINT at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: Spreading your arms, you allow the maelstrom to whip around your body and gaze into the open mouth of the face as it siphons the storm. You feel yourself growing lighter, sailing upward, suffused with unimaginable power as you grow increasingly disoriented.

They are here now and you will use Them for the end purpose of the sweeping the Plane of Their tormented desires to change/revise/reshape everything to Their will/want/way/whimsy. Sinking into the sky you scream against the uncertainty/certainty of the rules/lines/demands that compose their sweep.

The mouth opens wider and bares pointed teeth/hands/thorns and there are faces within faces within faces within faces within faces... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

Others see:
XXXX opens their arms wide and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: Lending your own madness/brilliance/un/certainty you push/scream/offer yourself to the face and the maelstrom, feeling the winds push/pull/sweep/surge/disagree around your body. You feel it clearly, the choices available to you now, freed/grown beyond the limitations of a mind bound by rules. You feel yourself falling/rising and see shifting geometries merging and melding, stone blocks colliding and rippling into fractal columns.

The mouth opens wider as the empty eye sockets erupt with reaching hands and you speak of the sun, the moons, your exploits growing and learning and deciding and shaping and you begin to laugh uproariously with the exploits of everything/nothing... You feel yourself slipping/falling/calming, though your head throbs in agony.

Others see:
XXXX pushes forward and begins to babble incoherently. After some time, they wince and rub their temples.

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

Others see:
XXXX points at the face and begins to scream his/her name over and over. Suddenly, he/she vanishes!

Arrival message:
A light breeze stirs the area, and suddenly you see XXXX nearby blinking in confusion!

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:05:39Z

DR-KOROR:

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could PRAY at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Standing in the crowd of figures, you look around a moment and point to the man standing behind the lectern, and accuse them of dishonestly representing their case to further the needs of undisclosed interests! The man glares at you angrily and returns the accusation, claiming that they have only ever represented the pursuit of the truth! The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.
Others see:
XXXX points at the man/woman standing at the lectern and accuses him/her of lying! The man/woman returns the accusation, and the figures gathered around the lectern begin to argue. XXXX smiles slightly.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.
Others see:
XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.
Others see:
XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

Arriving:
A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could STUDY the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could HUG the face to open yourself to its fury, PUSH the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or POINT at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-20T02:00:12Z

DR-KOROR:

{{RTOC}}
== Introduction ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== Demonic Altars ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from rippling stone, this short, squat altar bears countless eyes molded into it's surfaces. The eyes appear to change in shape, size, and location whenver you glance away. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, and you are confident He is watching. You are filled with a sense of anticipation.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with [[Antrayelsis]], and without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a prayer in the name of the Defiler. Your vision fills with countless eyes, each blinking open and focusing on you, scrutinizing your every move and thought. You are confident that your petition to empower His forces was heard, and sense that he has been afforded a fraction of additional freedom.

'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Buried within the strangely glassy material of the altar is the rippling image of a stylized eyeless face frozen in mid-scream, which seems to follow you. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to further its purpose, the promise of strength/power/wisdom/fearlessness tantalizingly possible/close/undeniable, and you are confident something is nearby and ready. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here, but cannot identify what it is. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Drinker of Minds, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You find yourself deeply aware of the cracks in the cobblestones and the passage of time/magic through the whims of those in power, the parasitic wasp laying its eggs in the caterpillar/hunter's eyes/void, and feel your mind/body/spirit roar with untapped power. You are confident that your petition to empower Her was heard, and feel stronger/drained beyond measure.

'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: Made of pulsating, breathing, and flexing sinew and other various parts, the altar seems to breathe as it observes the room. You believe you could {{com|PRAY}} to further the altar, or {{com|PULL}} from it to refuse it. You believe you could {{com|study}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar beckons you close, offers Oneness, togetherness. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Manifold, and believe you could {{com|pray}} at the altar to belong to it and for it to belong to you. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Manifold, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You lay your hand on the altars surface, feel tendrils worm their way into your flesh, and you are One and together and Them and complete and whole and you recall bloated suns and orange skies and the comfort of the eons as many. They are yours and you are Theirs and as you pull your hand away the tendrils retract, leaving you alone and hungry.

'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

{{com|look}} {{tt|altar}}:
: A twisted structure formed from shaped bone, this six-hands-high altar has been sculpted into the figure of a skull. The jaw of the skull yawns wide to accommodate a heavy anvil. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|altar}}:
: The altar speaks of hard work, a task accomplished, a tool designed to fulfill a purpose. You are unclear what the tool is, but this altar is the fulcrum. You recall that the altar is dedicated to the being known as The Forge, and believe you could PRAY at the altar to support the designs. The altar appears unyielding.

{{com|pray}} {{tt|altar}}:
: You feel a connection with something here. Without conscious thought, you find yourself invoking a blasphemous prayer to a being known as the Forge, and a string of incomprehensible words come to your lips as if they were something that could be understood. You clench your fist, and remember the merits of rough callouses, measuring twice before you cut, and with a sharp wrenching sensation you feel a hammer strike an anvil and are certain that She has noted your craft with the barest nod of respect. Her creations will blanket the land, her weapons will lay waste your foes. Several inspirations spring to mind.

== The Void ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|void}}:
: A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|void}}:
: You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could {{com|TOUCH}} the void to send a piece of yourself into it, {{com|INHALE}} to bring Them into yourself, or {{com|WAVE}} to direct an extension in support of the defenders.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|void}}:
: You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.

: Everything changes.

: There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.

: (also gave head wounds)

{{com|inhale}} {{tt|void}}:
: Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.

: Everything changes.

: Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.

: (also gave chest wounds)

{{com|wave}} {{tt|void}}:
: Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.

== Undead Creation ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

{{com|examine}} {{tt|parts}}:
: A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.

{{com|study}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could {{com|CLEAN}} it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or {{com|EXHALE}} life into the pile to complete the animation process.

{{com|clean}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.

{{com|push}} {{tt|parts}}:
: Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.

{{com|exhale}} {{tt|parts}}:
: You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!

== Demonic Tests ==

=== [[Arensirk]] ===
'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game
|desc=You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the lectern to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, {{com|POINT}} to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or {{com|LEAN}} on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

{{com|push}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

: One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

{{com|point}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|lean}} {{tt|lectern}}:
: Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

=== [[Bynaikae]] ===
'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast
|desc=You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. 
You also see a mound of flesh. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: About as tall as a Human, the mound of flesh is composed of various body parts, and appears very much alive. Orifices drip ichor and quill like spines grow in various directions around calloused skin and boney plates. Eyes randomly dot the mound and blink at you in curiosity, while a faint wheezing that could either be laughter or attempts to speak seem to emanate from a series of structures that are either gills or exposed brains. You believe you could STUDY the flesh to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could {{com|PUNCH}} the flesh to fight its pull, {{com|HUG}} it to embrace all that it offers, or {{com|BLANCH}} in disgust.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: Giving into the desire of Oneness, you wrap your arms around the mound of flesh, pressing your face against the warm side of the vile creation. There is comfort here, memories of a time when you were many, They were complete, and They were everything. You feel your face begin to dissolve, and with a start, pull back, tearing at tendrils that were prying into your flesh, ripping skin that had begun to merge with the mound. You feel ill, and realize that was a terrible idea.
Others see:
XXXX hugs the mound, pressing his/her face against its flesh. Smiling slightly, he/she closes his/her eyes. Suddenly, XXXX jerks back, a spray of blood flying from the torn flesh of his/her face!

{{com|blanch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.
Others see:
XXXX turns and retches, looking around in wide-eyed terror!

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange and harden, and you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, which twitches and squeals! XXXX looks ill, though the mound looks worse for the exchange.

{{com|punch}} {{tt|flesh}}:
: You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...
Others see:
XXXX punches the mound of flesh, tearing into it! Forcing his/her way into the open wound, XXXX disappears! The mound of flesh shakes a moment, and then the gaping wound heals without a trace. You sense that XXXX has somehow escaped.

Arriving:
A bloody tear in reality forms nearby, and XXXX forces their way through! Wide-eyed and covered in rapidly evaporating ichor, he/she looks shocked and disoriented!

=== [[Eacerikh]] ===
'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement
|desc=You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the wildflower to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could {{com|PUSH}} the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or {{com|LEAN}} towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

{{com|push}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the wildflowers blossoms and press them together, assisting in the flowers germination. Before your very eyes, the petals wither and die, enclosing around a tight seedpod which falls to the ground. Moments later, a small seedling pushes upward, reaching for the sky and spreading flower buds. Maturing rapidly, the wildflower blossoms, and the air fills with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You grab the seedpods of the wildflower and cast them in the field before you. Before your very eyes, several seedlings erupt from the ground and blossom, filling the air with an intoxicating scent.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|wildflower}}:
: You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

=== [[Gwulach]] ===
'''''Gwulach's Indulgence'''''

''Rage! You are filled with consuming hatred and loathing for everyone, everything, and you will see it all burn! Your muscles strain, creaking and popping as your heart races faster and faster, and you see the blame, the fault of the trees reaching for the light that should be yours despite the audacity of those that would steal from you and the dragons that left us, when suddenly, you find yourself...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Madness, Gwulach's Indulgence
|desc=You stand in the midst of a howling storm, purple energy crackling spasmodically along streamers of ember and ash. In the distance, there is nothing but fire and lightning in all directions. The ground is cracked, shifting blocks of stone flowing and churning in an impossible to follow landscape that makes orienting difficult. Above, a massive face hovers, mouth stretched horrifically wide as it inhales deeply, gathering the maelstrom. Furious eyes glare down, challenging all who would oppose the unrelenting chaos. 
You also see a massive face staring down from above. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|face}}:
: Seemingly made of flowing gold, the face oozes malevolence. Inky blackness within the eyes and mouth occasionally flicker with movement. You believe you could STUDY the face to learn more.

{{com|study}} {{tt|face}}:
: The face hovers above, monstrous and terrifying, mouth open as it inhales the crackling maelstrom. You believe you could HUG the face to open yourself to its fury, PUSH the face to lend your own madness to its siphon, or POINT at the face to denounce the chaos and make your stand.

{{com|hug}} {{tt|face}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|push}} {{tt|face}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|point}} {{tt|face}}:
: There is madness here, but you see through the illusion and false promises. You point your finger at the face and reject its manipulations, assured in your own mind and sanity.

: The face freezes, shuddering in place, and the maelstrom feels like nothing more than a light breeze.

: You suddenly find yourself...

=== [[Nricacsha]] ===
'''''Nricacsha's Appetite'''''

''You suddenly feel ravenously hungry! Your stomach knots in profoundly empty agony, and you are filled with a desire to consume everything! Ash and cinder billow around you, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

'''(Third Person Messaging)''' 
''Suddenly, XXXX leans back and roars in fury, muscles straining against taut skin, fists clenched with white knuckled rage! Spittle flies from clenched teeth, breath coming in heaving, ragged, desperate gasps! XXXX begins to babble incoherently, ranting about the trees, waves, sun, taxes, and dragons, when suddenly, XXXX vanishes!''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Consumption, Nricacsha's Appetite
|desc=You stand in the midst of a blasted wasteland, pillars of ash and charred trunks crumbling, the ground cracked and patched, the skies empty of cloud or starlight. An overturned wagon rests nearby, its cargo long since ransacked and scattered, its wheels rusted to little more than brittle flakes. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though it is impossible to tell from which direction it originated. 
You also see a firepit covered in ash. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: The firepit is blasted and covered in soot and ash, and a faint breeze stirs fine dust across its surface. You believe you could {{com|PULL}} the nearby wood into the firepit to burn the remaining fuel, or {{com|CLEAN}} the firepit to sweep away the debris. You notice a few acorns near the pile of wood, and wonder if you could {{com|PUSH}} a small depression near the firepit to plant something for tomorrow.

{{com|push}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: You dig a small pit in the loose dirt around the firepit and carefully place an acorn at the bottom. Gently covering it in dirt, you place your hand over the ground and allow yourself the chance to hope for recovery. This place is wrong -- spent and exhausted. But it may be fixed.

: The illusion cracks, beginning to evaporate. Thunder rumbles in the distance, though sounds hollow. Within the span of a blink, you find yourself...

{{com|pull}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|firepit}}:
: With the side of your foot, you attempt to sweep the firepit clean of debris. As you kick dust and embers free, a cloud of acrid soot and sparks rise all around you, choking you. You are filled with a desire to burn everything, to expend all resources, to be the devouring flame. You cough, and your head feels a little clearer.

=== [[Pelsacahd]] ===
'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare
|desc=You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. 
You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog
}}

{{com|examine}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

{{com|study}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to {{com|TOUCH}} it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to {{com|FLEE}} the {{tt|REFLECTION}}.

{{com|flee}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
: The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

{{com|touch}} {{tt|reflection}}:
: '''(messaging needed)'''

== Jeihrem Messaging ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken ==

== Barricades ==

== Shrine of Aluna ==

{{com|look}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: This large turtle was carved from a single slab of basalt, the shell serving as an altar. The remnants of many sacrifices over the years, combined with untold years of submersion, have left anemones and coral polyps clinging to crevasses carved into the polished stone. In the back of the turtle's shell, a large crescent moon sits engraved in recess, serving as a bowl in which sacrifices to [[Aluna]] could have been placed when this was actively used. You believe you can {{com|study}} the shrine to learn more.
: There appears to be something written on it.

{{com|study}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: You believe you could {{com|pray}} to the Immortals at this shrine or {{com|clean}} it to assist in its consecration. You observe that it is dedicated to [[Aluna]], a Goddess of the [[Merelew]] -- as such, you are unsure if your prayers will be heard. Still, there is no mistaking the unique Holiness of the shrine.

{{com|read}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: A basalt shrine reads:
: "The seas are kept in her embrace, for she is the moonlight streaming through the kelp on the ocean floor, the silvery moon-kissed crests of waves in the dark. [[Aluna]] is of the [[Merelew]], and as we are of her, we must keep her faith, hold her in our hearts. Only in faith can we be of the water, the wave returning to the sea that it may once again strike upon the shore. If [[Merelew]] forget [[Aluna]], the wave is lost."

{{com|pray}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

{{com|clean}} {{tt|shrine}}:
: '''(need messaging)'''

== Magnetic Ballista ==

== Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet ==

== Panjandrums ==
{{RoomDescription
|roomname=Basalt Isle, Overlook
|desc=The entire island is visible from this small overlook, the jagged basalt spines jutting from the sea to the east while huge cracks run through the island's center to create dark, gaping chasms. An ominous-looking castle can be seen far to the west at the top of a towering cliff, while a small fishing village huddles far below it. Very little greenery pierces the flat grey landscape, and the sea appears harsh and unforgiving at every horizon. 
You also see some Gnomish panjandrums made of massive kertig discs. 
Obvious paths: south.
}}

{{com|look}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: A deployment of panjandrums, each are a medley of freely swiveling Gnomish parts sandwiched between two massive kertig discs. A series of gear exchanges hold the central block of gears and pistons. Mounted on braces, some of the panjandrums inner blocks are spinning at immense speeds, while others are awaiting activation. A crew of Gnomish engineers work on the panjandrums, assembling more as each is fired, each looking slightly terrified. You believe you could {{com|STUDY}} the panjandrums to learn more.''

{{com|study}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You believe you could {{com|SPIN}} the panjandrums to bring one up to speed, {{com|PUSH}} the panjandrums to aim one for the beach battle or {{com|PULL}} to aim for Jeihrem's manor, and {{com|YANK}} the panjandrums to loose one on the targets!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. After some time, you tire, unable to continue, and the center portion gradually slows and stops.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|spin}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You nod to one of the engineers, and he points you to a crank in one of the panjandrums.

: "Get it up to speed and stand clear when it's moving on its own. You'll know what I mean." he says, backing away and folding a protective guard over his face. You spin the crank, and the boxlike contraption sandwiched between the kertig discs begins to rotate, faster and faster. Suddenly, a series of interlocking gears sequentially engages with a loud *snap*. Several pistons begin to hiss and churn, and the center portion blurs as it spins beyond your efforts. You release the crank and back up, the twin wheels vibrating as the center spins!
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|push}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at the beach. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You step up to a panjandrum and look around for a means to aim the massive weapon. An engineer points to the swiveling braces the panjandrums are mounted on, and smoothly pulls a small metal pin from an interlock, nodding to you.

: "You can reposition the wheel-rails, but be sure to keep your fingers clear: the gears can pinch." he says.

: Carefully pushing the massive kertig disc, keeping your fingers well clear of the inside track, you push the panjandrum around slightly so it is aiming at Jeihrem's manor. Satisfied it is positioned properly, you nod to the engineer, who inserts the metal pin back into the interlock.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: Sparks begin to fly from the center portion, leaving a radiant trail as the panjandrum races forward, churning dirt and debris in its wake!

: The engineer peeks around the barrier and gives you a thumbs up.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

{{com|yank}} {{tt|panjandrum}}:
: You approach the panjandrum looking for a means to loose the weapon, and an engineer begins to backpedal quickly, hiding behind a protective barrier as he shouts, "Give the firing chain a sharp tug, and stand clear!"

: You notice the thick glaes chain and grabbing it firmly, you give it a sharp yank. Several things happen at once!

: A deafening *crack* comes from the panjandrum as a series of pressure plates engages the inner track of the kertig discs, transferring the immense momentum of the rapidly spinning interior portion.

: The pressure plates and gears along the inner track begin to glow red hot as the panjandrum races forward, bouncing along the ground violently!

: The engineer peaks around the barrier, eyebrows raised high in surprise.
: Roundtime: 10 sec.

== Sivroch's Cocoon ==
The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The cocoon bristles, and three patches of boney plating flare red with spiraling symbols. A braid of vaguely visible tendrils spiral from the harrowed chasm, arcing high and slamming into the cocoon, attaching to the illuminated patches. Growing opaque, the tendrils appear to be made of small crystal worms writhing around one another, and seem very wrong and unnatural. After a moment, the tendril fades, and the cocoon looks somehow enforced.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon emits a low grinding and several tentacles at the base thicken and twist. With peristalsic motion, the tentacles bring several large globules of material upward into the cocoon. Several spines and boney plates shift slightly.

The cocoon shudders, and several spines branch and grow dramatically, erupting in multiple directions and bristling with hostility. Thin pseudopods worm from between the spines and seem to taste the air, tapping the ground around the cocoon, probing for something. After a long moment, the pseudopods snap back into the cocoon, the spines shiver, merge, and retract, and the cocoon seems to be oriented in a new direction.

The cocoon quivers, and with a loud cracking sheds a swath of thick spiny plating, which falls to ground and melts into hissing ichor. Through the gap, you see the internal membrane blossom with an unnatural reddish glow, an unrecognizable form writhing within. Several creatures along the cocoon scuttle over to the broken section, and spreading their limbs, melt into the surface, patching the gap.

The creatures scuttling over its surface twitch and fall to the ground, dead, melting into nothingness, and the armored plates and spines twitch and vibrate, sloughing off the surface of the cocoon.

A spray of ichor erupts from the base of the cocoon, trapping you in a sticky mess of evaporating, oily, slime.

Several tentacles from the base of the cocoon pull free of the ground and writhe madly around the area, knocking everyone off their feet. The tentacles rapidly dissolve into nothingness.

A large claw with three razor-sharp talons presses against the inside of the exposed membrane of the cocoon. 
The claw continues to press against the side of the cocoon, raking against the smooth interior of the membrane for purchase. The membrane begins to tear, oozing murky fluid.

Tearing the membrane further, a second claw continues to scramble against the cocoons membrane. A third claw joins the struggle. A fourth. A fifth.

The membrane tears wide, and a monstrous creature tumbles outward, unfolding long muscular limbs covered in reinforced boney plates, etched and carved with glowing symbols and patterns. Seven gleaming blue eyes with double slit pupils glare from within a helm of dense quills, and a slow rumble emerges from the creatures throat. Five long tentacles sprout from the creatures back, terminating in triple talons, and stretching languidly, they slam into the ground and lift her high into the air.

She surveys the area, taking stock of everyone assembled, and unhinging her maw, the Monstrosity Sivroch, Abomination of the Profane, roars in challenge.

== Sanyu Aes ==

{{com|touch}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Reaching for the weapon, you touch the orb and extend your magical senses, viewing the developing pattern of spiraling order churning around the platform. You deftly arrange some of the drifting patterns, nudging them back into place.

{{com|lean}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Leaning forward, you pour yourself into the billowing order churning around the weapon. Wisps of silvery light flow from your hands, coalescing into an ordered pattern. Radiating circles unfurl and exact tridecagons snap into place, and the design continues to develop.

{{com|pull}} {{tt|weapon}}:
: Grasping hold of the designs, you clench your fist and pull, reinforcing the patterns, binding them more tightly around the weapon's core. The gaps in the ordered lines of the pattern shrink, and the overall structure becomes increasingly robust and indomitable.

Khoheke waves his hand, and the holy streamer flickers slightly.

Khoheke closes his eyes, faint hair-like wisps of light billowing off his form and wrapping around unseen lines and forms stretching throughout the area, centered around Sanyu Aes.

The weapon thrums with life, several rods sliding along their swivels around the orb, which begins to softly glow.

Golden flashes of light flicker around the base of the weapon, pure and righteous, though somewhat disordered.

Expanding lines of golden light writhe around the weapon.

The lines of golden light bend into wide arcs, forming concentric circles around the base of the weapon, ordered and exact.

An expanding series of circles continue to form around the weapon.

The lines of golden light continue building around the weapon, loops and repeating angles expanding.

A few gaps appear in the rotating pattern.

The lines of golden light snap into place, filling gaps and weaving external structures into the larger body, overlapping circles, angles, billowing loops arranging themselves in increasingly complex patterns.

The pattern continues to rotate, individual elements aligning in new and complex ways.

The pattern stretches, circles overlaying squares overlaying octagons composed of billowing triangles, each swirling and glowing with pulsating brilliance.

The orb glistens, glowing brighter and brighter.

Khoheke's form begins to waver, white-silvery light overtaking his features. As he fades from view, a spectral form leaves his body and hovers above the ground, arms wide, a missing left hand the only distinguishing feature.

The specter shudders, streaking sideways, a thick brushstroke of light siphoning into the building pattern. The specter appears diminished, though his eyes begin to burn.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We must expand the pattern. PULL on the weapon!"

The writhing pattern blossoms further, ordered geometric forms seamlessly stacked on increasingly complex weaves, the intersections complex and demanding, the whole solid, greater than each component part.

The specter begins to move components of the pattern, moving a circle aside, bending a section to make space, replacing the circle. Some movements appear too quickly to follow as he rotates shapes into three dimensions, orbs and cubes and pyramids radiating from the central spiraling design.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Again, expand the pattern with me, PULL on the weapon!"

The pattern expands and contracts, as if breathing, a large circle encompassing the perimeter, connecting to a dozen smaller circles, which in turn are connected to more complex geometries, each rotating and spiraling into the core of the weapon.

You feel it, the undeniable weight building. It begins as a gentle pressure pushing you first away then towards the weapon. Though it is uncomfortable, it is somehow reassuring.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "We will be the aegis! The beacon forms! Energize the pattern! LEAN on the weapon!"

The pattern flares with brilliance, blinding light swirling and involuting, snapping between two and three dimensional forms. The orb within the weapon roars like the sun, the kertig bars glowing red hot.

Grasping the pattern with his hand and hook, the specter of Khoheke wavers for a moment as his form flows downward, merging with the orb at the center of the pattern. The kertig bars begin to spark, casting impurities and oxides from their surface.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Light the beacon! LEAN on the weapon! We will right this space."

The pattern churns with blinding speed and radiant light, a whirlpool of structure and order, and you brace yourself, holding your shield arm forward, your right leg back, bounding the pattern, confining it.

As one, the group braces against the pattern, and you feel the righteous refusal of the beacon.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "The pattern slips, TOUCH the weapon to reinforce it! We will expunge the defilers!"

Razor-edged vertices spin faster and faster, and the pressure becomes almost unbearable. You dig deep within your soul, shift your right leg slightly and press forward, your shield arm aching with the effort.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "It is nearly complete! LEAN on the weapon to energize the pattern!"

The pattern erupts with light, orbs twinkling in and out of existence in a constant, ordered sequence, racing faster and faster around the structure. Leaving blurred streamers behind as the thick lines spiral and twist, the pattern races faster and faster, glowing brighter and brighter. Law reaffirms, expunging deviations.

Several things happen at once -

The specter of Khoheke begins to scream.

The pattern explodes with a deafening rumble, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment, pressed backwards by a heavy weight, indominable, undeniable, absolutely correct and righteous. You feel it with a certainty, the coda of this place, full of manipulations and errors, alterations and injustices, and your soul explodes, rewriting and revising, correcting the imbalances. The beacon burns outward.

Streamers of golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals.

The specter of Khoheke continues to scream.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Maintain the beacon! LEAN on the weapon!"

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

You continue to feel a crushing, undeniable weight forcing you backwards, but it is comforting, familiar, necessary.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, shackling the future with its righteous refusal.

The specter of Khoheke shouts, "Reinforce the pattern!"

The beacon roars, golden light raining from the skies, rewriting and commanding compliance.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading with clean lines and sharp edges, and it pours forth, evaporating the growing form with its righteous refusal.

The beacon roars, golden light cascading from the skies, eradicating and expunging.

The specter of Khoheke blurs, funneling into the pattern.

A hail of jagged bone slams into the area, the staccato beat raining destruction on the platform! The weapon is slammed from the firing platform base, the collected energies discharging into the kertig bars! The pattern disperses without the anchor of Sanyu Aes, the various rods and lenses snapping and slagging. The righteous weight dissipates.

You raise your shield and dive to protect Khoheke, the shards of bone colliding harmlessly above. All the Paladins present do the same, each of you forming a steel ceiling while the Necromantic barrage continues. After it passes, you lower your shield, content that you have protected Khoheke in his moment of vulnerability."

The specter of Khoheke snaps together, and falls to the ground, vanishing into the prone form of an unconscious S'Kra! The golden rain ceases, the perfect order no longer a comforting weight.

== Smoke Escape ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

{{com|dance}} {{tt|smoke}}:
: You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!

== Event Logs ==

Basalt Isle Raid

2021-10-12T17:26:06Z

DR-KOROR:

== '''Introduction''' ==

A record of the messaging and mechanics associated with the amazingly executed [[Basalt Isle]] raid that took place on day 236 in the month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 439 after the victory of Lanival (2 Oct, 2021).

A summary leading up this event can be found at [[Dantia/Storylines/The Assault on Basalt Isle|The Assault on Basalt Isle]] thanks to [[Dantia]].

== '''Demonic Altars''' ==
As part of the buildup the week prior to the raid, [[Sivroch]] placed demonic altars in front of cities that could be empowered or destroyed.

'''''a battle altar made of rippling stone'''''

'''''a battle altar made of a strangely glassy material'''''

'''''a battle altar made of a mound of flesh and sinew'''''

'''''a battle altar made of shaped bone'''''

== '''The Void''' ==

This was in the main saferoom for the Defenders to interact with.

'''''a yawning void torn in the fabric of reality'''''

>exam void 
''A whirlpool of steaming ichor, the yawning void pulses as it spins, rhythmically growing and shrinking by several feet. You believe you could STUDY it to learn more.''

>study void 
''You understand some of the shape of this tear in reality, and see how it may be manipulated. You believe you could TOUCH the void to send a piece of yourself into it, INHALE to bring Them into yourself, or WAVE to direct an extension in support of the defenders.''

>touch void 
''You reach forward, feeling the gap and sensing Them laying beyond, ready and waiting. As you extend your awareness into the void, They eagerly reach and grab, pulling your awareness to Them.''

''Everything changes.''

''There is madness here, unbound chaos and crackling mutability, possibility, and power. They show you eternity, borrowing your mind to fuel Their engines and pour more of themselves through the void. The connection severs, and you struggle a moment to suffer through a pounding headache as you gather yourself.''

(also gave head wounds)

>inhale void 
''Leaning forward you take a deep breath, inhaling the steaming space of the void deep into your lungs. It tastes of sweet apples and burnt meat, and suddenly you feel something clawing its way down your throat.''

''Everything changes.''

''Your vision spirals wildly and pulls to a distant horizon point. Far away, you feel Them, racing towards you, empowered for the stability and structured flesh of your lungs. They grow closer, when you find yourself exhaling sharply and coughing as you draw fresh air, and the connection severs.''

(also gave chest wounds)

>wave void 
''Waving your hand high in the air, the void ripples in response, a long pseudopod extending outward. Guiding the tendril, you direct it upward and towards the field of battle. The wavering tendril grows translucent and stretches needle thin as it whips towards battlefield. Though you quickly lose sight of it, after a moment, you sense that it has latched onto something, and watch as material begins to be pumped along the tendril, across the distance.''

== '''Undead Creation''' ==

This was in another room that the Defenders had access to.

'''''a pile of dismembered parts'''''

>exam parts 
''A collection of dismembered limbs, torsos and heads, the origins of which seem to be primarily recently drowned sailors. Various marine parasites are slowly consuming the corpseflesh -- scuttling crabs, burrowing sandfleas, and writhing worms move on and around the pile. A pile of salt nearby suggests some effort was taken to preserve the parts, next to which rests a chirugeon's toolkit.''

>study parts 
''Looking over the pile of parts, you believe you could CLEAN it to get rid of some scavengers and make the parts more accessible, PUSH it to stitch some collected parts together, or EXHALE life into the pile to complete the animation process.''

>clean parts 
''Not sure where to begin, you poke through the assorted parts searching for inspiration. A leg with shark teeth buried in the calf looks to be in fairly good shape. Some kind of segmented worm has taken up residence in the eye socket of its half-decayed head, though the material looks usable. You push some scavengers aside, and do your part by gathering a handful of salt and sprinkling it over the pile. You organize the pile a bit and when you finish, the parts look more accessibly usable for assembly.''

>push parts 
''Grabbing a needle and thread from the chirugeons toolkit, you gather an assortment of parts, brushing aside a sandflea as you set to work assembling a multi-limbed monstrosity. Pausing every so often to check your handiwork, you finalize even stitchwork and kneeling before the monstrosity, carefully carve a ritual design across a handspan of its body. You stand up satisfied that you have prepared it to arise as one of the undead, and lay the assembled body aside for completion.''

>exhale parts 
''You sense a swell of arcane energy available nearby, and feel a slight pressure behind the eyes as you redirect it along ritual lines cut into one of the arrayed bodies, and you connect each essential node in turn. Abruptly the power surges forth, a dam bursting as wild torrents stream into the body! You siphon off a tiny fraction of the energy and direct it into reconstructing damaged tissue, the body's flesh knitting together before your eyes. The creature's recumbent form jerks once and then, as if awakening from slumber, its eyes snap open. Flexing with newfound strength, the zombie levers itself upright and shambles off to join the fight!''

== '''Demonic Tests''' ==

'''''Arensirk's Game''''' 
''Nothing makes sense, and there is no truth. The ground is up, the air is water, your name is not XXXX and you are not on Basalt Isle. In fact, the only thing you are sure of is that you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

[Maze of Deceit, Arensirk's Game] 
You stand in the midst of a large lecture hall, surrounded by faceless figures passionately debating something highly technical. One figure holds a small whirring device and waves it angrily in the face of another, who points to the ground and shouts back in anger. A group points out a nearby window and argues over the color of the orange hued sky. As the debate continues, it becomes clear that all positions are represented, and all are held with equal conviction. 
You also see a simple lectern before a group of figures. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

>look lectern 
Plainly constructed, the lectern holds notes for a series of lectures. A small gathering of figures cluster around the lectern. You believe you could STUDY the lectern to learn more.

>study lectern 
The lectern is unadorned, a simple platform providing storage for a stack of papers and lecture notes. You believe you could PUSH the lectern to pick up one of the lectures and deliver it, POINT to the lectern to accuse one of the figures of dishonesty, or LEAN on the lectern to try a different tact and speak the truth.

>push lectern 
Looking over the lectern, you see an account of a kingdom's financials. Reports on the flow of grain and ore, taxes raised and expenses paid are all neatly tallied, with summary statements provided in following pages.

One of the figures standing before the lectern loudly clears her throat expectantly, and you hastily begin calling for an audit, reminding the assembled figures of the meaningless nature of money and the illogical choice of making decisions without more information into the kingdoms financials. The figures all begin to argue, and you smile to yourself.

>point lectern 
(need this messaging)

>lean lectern 
Looking around, you realize that this is all an illusion, and speak to the need to band together and recognize the veneer of lies. The assembled figures begin to laugh and mock, the attempt to draw your ire futile and petty. You continue calling attention to the obviousness of the wholecloth fabrications and absurd claims being raised, when suddenly, the scene freezes, stuttering momentarily, and everything begins to fade.

'''''Eacerikh's Replacement''''' 
''You suddenly smell a wild bouquet of fragrant flowers, pollen wafting across on the breeze. You spread your arms wide, inhaling deeply of the rich aroma, and suddenly find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

[Maze of Cycles, Eacerikh's Replacement] 
You stand in the midst of a field of grass, wildflowers blooming and dying in a rapid loop of birth and decay. The ground cracks and groans with the endless churn, seedlings erupting from the loam, unfurling leaf and brilliant petal, retreating to seed pod which hardens and drops, and the flower rapidly decays moments the process repeats. Skeletons are spread throughout the field, the flowers growing around and through gaps in ribs and empty eyes. A stiff breeze flows around the area, bringing scents you have never experienced but find extremely familiar. 
You also see a wildflower bearing both brilliant petals and hardening seeds. 
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

>look wildflower 
Growing vivaciously in this strange place, the wildflower looks like it expects you to do something. You believe you could STUDY the wildflower to learn more.

>study wildflower 
The wildflower sways gently in the breeze, its petals vibrantly colored and its clustered seedpods maturing before your eyes. You believe you could PUSH the wildflower to assist in its germination, PULL the flower to grab some seed pods and spread them around, or LEAN towards the flower crush it and prevent it from spreading.

>push wildflower 
(need this messaging)

>pull wildflower 
(need this messaging)

>lean wildflower 
You lean forward and crush the wildflower, grinding the blossoms and seed pods into a sticky goo. The wildflower withers and dies, unable to continue its unnatural propagation. The air smells sterile and clean, and suddenly, you find yourself...

'''''Bynaikae's Feast''''' 
''Suddenly, thick burls of fat, muscle, and sinew explode from the ground and wrap around your body, enclosing you in a tight cocoon! Surrounded by darkness, you hear whispering, promises of inclusion and secrets long forgotten, and claw and spine and tooth and nail rasp along your skin, tendrils worming into your mouth and nose. You feel a thundering heartbeat, and find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

[Maze of Flesh, Bynaikae's Feast] 
You stand in the midst of a small cavern, every surface lined with still very much alive flesh -- stretched eyeballs blinking in confusion, a disfigured mouth gasping for breath between spiraling teeth, ears sprouting fingers that clench and unclench. It becomes impossible to keep track of the arrayed horrors. Whispers echo all around the cavern, recollections of experiences utterly foreign but disturbingly familiar. You begin to lose your place, to forget being alone in your skin, and have a strange desire to hug the walls, to lean into the comfort of the many, to remember with Them. You also see a mound of flesh.
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

>study flesh 
The vile mound of flesh quivers as it senses you studying it, and the walls pulsate in response. You believe you could PUNCH the flesh to fight its pull, HUG it to embrace all that it offers, or BLANCH in disgust.
Roundtime: 10 sec.

>blanch flesh 
You turn and retch, disgusted at this space! You feel Them laughing, welcoming, beckoning you, promising that there is no pain or suffering, all you need to do is embrace Them, become One with Them. They are near and They are you and you could be of Them and there will be untold wonder as They share in all things and welcome all. You feel ill, as if the illusion has strengthened.
Roundtime: 20 sec.

>punch flesh 
You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, eliciting a loud *thud* as the mound shakes and seems to lean away from you. As you watch the flesh rearrange you resist the urge to vomit, though you are certain you have damaged the vile creation.
Roundtime: 10 sec.

>punch flesh 
You swing at the mound of flesh and feel your fist slam into the meaty protrusion, tearing into the surface of the mound! As you force yourself into the wound, you see the broken edges of the illusion of this space, and you find yourself squirming through a tunnel of viscera and ichor! You hear Them whispering, promising a return to when you were complete, safe, whole, threatening that you cannot leave, cannot escape, will always belong to Them, when suddenly you find yourself...

'''''Pelsacahd's Nightmare''''' 
''The air around you begins to ripple, and you find yourself surrounded by countless reflections of your smiling face. The reflections shatter, tumbling as they fall, and you find yourself...''

''You feel yourself being pulled away...''

[Maze of Despair, Pelsacahd's Nightmare] 
You stand in the midst of a vast desert, silver sands stretching in all directions and the faint glimmers of distant stars the only source of light. An endless horde of distorted reflections of what you could and may never be surrounds you, each bearing jaundiced and bloodshot eyes. Serving as a distorted caricature of your appearance, some are taller and spindly, stretched to great lengths, while others are squat and stout. Each stares directly at you, an unnatural wide grin stretched into a hideous mask, smirking with secret knowledge or madness. You are utterly alone here, dwarfed by the hideous mirrored images. You also see a twisted reflection that vaguely resembles you.
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

>study reflection 
You study the twisted reflection in front of you. It stares back at you, cracking a jagged grin of thousands of tiny needle-like teeth. It waves a taloned hand to you, beckoning you to TOUCH it and join the twisted sea of horrific fragments. The sea of reflections all watch you in rapt attention, forming a maze around you. You think that to escape the maze, you will need to FLEE the REFLECTION.
Roundtime: 10 sec.

>flee reflection 
You turn to run from the reflection, sprinting through the maze in the hopes of finding an exit.
The reflections grasp at you as you pass, but you push forward through the maze, finally finding a gap in the twisted reflections! You push your way out, and feel as if some sort of fog has lifted from your mind.

== '''Jeihrem messaging''' ==

''The ground shakes, and a foul wind begins to blow across the land, smelling of rot and salt.''

''The ground and sea oozes with blood, sinew, and flesh, ropey burls of fat and meat bubbling up from the surface and evaporating into a choking maisma. Swirling around, the bloody mist arcs high into the air and gathers into a vile cloud above before extending tendrils down towards the manor.''

''The ground shakes again, and beyond the manor, a form begins to rise. Clad in black steel armor and trailing a greatcloak of billowing shadow, the form grows taller and taller. ''

''A faint grinding can be felt as the ground shifts, and a field of bone slowly vibrates upward -- a jagged femur snapped in half, four ribs connected to a dozen vertebrae, a broken jaw with yellowed teeth, an intact skeletal hand clenched in a fist. The bones shiver, buzzing like a swarm of locusts, and are flung upward, spiralling towards the growing form beyond the manor.''

''As the tornado of blood and bone surge into Jeihrem, he continues to grow. A hundred feet. Two hundred. Jeihrem steps over his manor, a single step towards the beach. The ground shudders, sand sprays around his footfall. The black steel visor of his helm surveys the beach, and you feel his gaze like a physical force, a predatory being calmly assessing the best time to strike.''

''Jeihrem spreads his massive arms and absorbs the rest of the swirling gore. He takes another step forward, the ground shaking with his footfalls. ''

''You hear the amplified voice of Zauldin shout across the valley, "Fire on Jeihrem! Man the weaponry, he is exposed, kill him now!"''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''From across the distance you hear Khoheke shout, "Paladins, to the Oshu'k'et! The time for Sanyu Aes is now!"''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and explode violently against a cliff edge!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A rain of scattershot arcs across the sky from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's faceplate with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and glance off Jeihrem's legs! He does not appear to notice!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and roll part way up the cliff edge towards the manor before exploding violently!''

''Hefting a massive tyrium claymore inset with a skull for a crossguard, the gargantuan Jeihrem slams the blade into the ground. Hideous shadows tinged with sickening no-color spray outward from buried weapon.''

''You can hear them, clamoring and emboldened, called to this weakened point in reality. The scream and howl, chattering and skittering and tooth and claw and maw and too many eyes begin to squirm through the fringe, along the edges.''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, slamming into Jeihrem's right pauldron! Jeihrem is staggered, his armor glowing with heat!''

''Jeihrem looks down at the assembled forces, and dispassionately twists the blade, slashing sideways. A flare of void bursts forth from the blades wake, leaving a harsh afterglow in your vision. You struggle to make sense of the broken space left in the wake of the weapon, struggle to make sense of the forms clamoring at the edges, struggle to to shut out the conflicted screaming and otherworldly vantage visible through the orange haze beyond the gash in reality, struggle to view the no-color ripples billowing at the boundary. ''

''A ceaseless horde pours forth from the rent, clawing and charging across the opening. They surge with an almost desperation, screaming against the new laws of this plane.''

''Jeihrem lifts a massive foot and takes a step forward, directly above! Under the shadow of his falling boot, you realize you better move quick to avoid getting crushed!''

''Jeihrem slams a massive boot into to the ground! You barely manage to jump out of the way in time, but rock and sand explodes outward! The impact of debris knocks you over!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and sailing past him!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, slamming into Jeihrem's chest with an explosion of molten rock! He is staggered!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's legs, exploding with deafening force! He does not appear to notice!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, ricochetting off Jeihrem's shoulder and screaming off into the distance! He does not appear to notice!''

''A compressed ball of fire screams an arc from the Oshu'k'et, missing Jeihrem entirely!''

''A glowing lava javelin arcs a bright line across the sky from the stone tower, missing Jeihrem entirely and flying into the distance!''

''A pair of panjandrums bounce across the field of battle and slam into Jeihrem's chest, exploding with deafening force! He is staggered!''

''A thundrous rumbling explosion echoes across the land, and the air takes on a silvery-golden hue. You stagger a moment as a heavy weight presses down on you, and though it is oppressive and indominable, there is something comforting and strangely correct about it. Streamers of wispy golden lines rain down gently, blossoming into ribbons of exact starbursts and spirals. ''

''Reality battles interloper as the rules of the Plane of Abiding roar in fury as the many exceptions and violations on the isle are forcefully rectified. In the rain of golden light, you detect for a fleeting moment an illuminated banner, composed of precise lines and silvery wisps emanating from a silvery spiral. The banner seems to unfurl from horizon to horizon, perfect forms overlapping with perfect forms in an endlessly nested and shifting display. Everything changes, and through it all, you feel the force of Khoheke's will.''

''You spot several things simultaneously. ''

''The enormous form of Jeihrem roars and falls to his knees, hands crashing into the sea as he struggles against the weight. The interlocking plates of his armor groan and screech as the metal bows and flexes.''

''Sivroch wails in agony, her form burning and melting, limbs breaking. Her spined tentacles burst into fine ash and disperse, blown on fierce winds, and the her armor fractures, revealing swaths of oozing flesh beneath. She falls to the ground, shrinking and screaming, clawing at the ground as her talons tear from her fingers and her bones break.''

''Srinoja shatters, cracks spidering across her form as crystalline panes fall upward, evaporating. She clutches her head and wails, reflections of reflections beating against her and winding across her form, a multitude of breaks in the image revealing a haggard Gnome.''

''The rend billows as if caught in a strong wind, and begins to close, the edges coming together with flashes of corruscating flashes of light. Several thick pseudopods surge through the rend and arcing high, slam into the ground nearby! They pulsate, sending thick globs of unknown material into the land! The golden light batters them down, but they remain in place for several long seconds before shattering into rapidly dispersing smoke.''

''The form of Jeihrem begins to shrink, flames billowing from the gaps in his armor. Rearing back on his knees, he stares at the offshore Oshu'k'et, and thrusts a hand into the air. A bilious purple mist begins to gather above his head, flickering with thick worms, squirming violently as they die in the golden light streaming from the sky. Beneath the barrier, Jeihrem stands, and takes a step towards the shoreline.''

''The light continues to rain down from the skies, and gaps in Jeihrem's barrier begin to form. As the light shines through these gaps, Jeihrem is pushed downward, visibly struggling against an extreme weight, his armor groaning as it deforms in places. He strides towards the Oshu'k'et offshore, a barrage of electricity, lava javalins, panjandrums and mangonel fire slowing his progress, and reaches a gauntleted hand as he nears the vessel.''

''Slamming down to one knee, Jeihrem continues to struggle against the weight above as it streams through his failing barrier. He pulls his hand back, and ribbons of shadow begin to gather in his cupped palm, hissing and dripping with malevolence. The shadow tightens into an orb, snapping with no-color flashes, and Jeihrem pivots his shoulders, ready to attack! ''

''Several volleys from the Aloof Gannet, the Oshu'k'et, and the assembled weapons strike simultaneously, knocking Jeihrem back slightly, the now crackling orb in his hand vibrating with violence. Several large gaps in the barrier overhead begin to widen, knocking Jeihrem's arm to the ground, causing the orb to dissipate. Jeihrem is once again slammed to the ground!''

''Jeihrem reaches for the Oshu'k'et, but his gauntlet and vambraces being to melt, glowing red hot. Jeihrem roars, an otherworldy bellow, a challenge to all gathered, a call to arms to those beyond the rend. You hear them clamoring, pushing against the oppressive weight, and the rend begins to unfurl once again.''

''Jeihrem suddenly explodes into vaporous black ichor, a whirlwind of ooze, and streams towards the writhing form of Sivroch, enveloping her and looping upward towards the manor.''

''As the golden light continues to stream downward, the rend in reality closes buckles once more, and closes completely, the summoned nightmares scattering to ash. Above the manor, a thick maisma gathers, flaring against the righteous weight of the light.''

''Several large orbs of bone are launched into the sky, exploding into a cloud of jagged shrapnel that begins to rain down on the shoreline! As the bone shrapnel falls, impacts travel from the beach to the water, tiny puffs of sand and rock exploding upward, moving onto a line of ripples as the waves are churned by impacts. The Oshu'k'et is caught in the blast, the wood of the prow splintering and the sails shredded.''

''As the weapon aboard the Oshu'k'et shatters, the golden light begins to dim, the righteous weight to lessen. The manor stands, enveloped in a purple mist, the beaches littered with flesh, bones, and streaks of ichor.''

''An ornithopter suddenly takes to the skies, a Gnome pilot falling from the ascending vehicle as it races for the Aloof Gannet. You are able to make out what appears to be the remains of Srinoja at the controls. Moments after the ornithopter arrives at the airship, a hairline fracture in reality spiders outward like a broken mirror for a moment, and then suddenly vanishes. The airship turns for the open sea and flies away.''

== '''Kauga's Slaying of the Kraken''' ==

== '''Barricades''' ==

== '''Altar of Aluna''' ==

== '''Magnetic Ballista''' ==

== '''Cages aboard the Aloof Gannet''' ==

== '''Panjandrums''' ==

== '''Sivroch's Cocoon''' ==

== '''Sanyu Aes''' ==

== '''Smoke Escape''' ==
An escape mechanism that took individuals to the center of the event space, alive or dead.

>dance smoke 
''You begin to twitch with involuntary movement, spasmodically crawling towards the Harrowed Chasm, lurching towards the gap between the ridges of basalt, towards the mass of Jeihrem's forces, compelled in a choreic burst into something resembling an unholy dance!''

== '''Event Logs''' ==