View source for Current Events/Logs/01-29-2022-Custodian-Experiment

{{Log
  |date=2022-01-29
  |gamedate=440-08-15
  |eventname=A Second Experiment in the Zengmodaleth
  |event_instance=DR
  |pov=Navesi
  |log=[Ker'Leor, Handsome Plateau]<br>
Trees give way to small tufts of grass and pockets of bright yellow dirdel. A tumbleweed leans against the trunk of a spreading oak, teetering once in a while as if attempting to get past. The greyish soil is dotted with some crystalline substance which gives off a slightly metallic odor.<br>
You also see a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning.<br>
Also here: Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Athanasius, Depth Preserver Lupdels, Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Warlock Comfrin, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Shield Maiden Betlind and Polymath Messica.<br>
Obvious paths: north, northeast, southeast, south.

You point at a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning.

You say, "There's the entrance."

''> go crack ring''<br>
[Zengmodaleth, Ancillary Rear Containment]<br>
A complex web of copper piping appears to cover the walls and ceiling, branching and merging as it traverses the length of the room. The elastic ground appears to be composed of a darkly dyed fiber woven with strips of rubber. Rippling blue and green light crackles throughout the area, strange shadows dancing around and emerging from the portal entrance. You note the smell of ozone and lubricating solvents, and the warm air is extremely dry.<br>
You also see a small fiery fissure, a ghostly white banner and a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning.<br>
Also here: a calmed Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who is sheathed in an aura of crackling electricity and a calmed Sir Madigan.<br>
Obvious exits: north.<br>
Messica, Betlind, Shaylynne, Comfrin, Maintain, Lupdels, Athanasius, Siendra and Mistanna followed.

Mazrian just arrived.

You say, "And, still 10 of us, good."

Siendra smiles at Mazrian.

Tekhelet asks, "Who do I join?"

Madigan nods to Mazrian.

Mazrian asks, "Everyone here who needs to be here?"

Betlind bows to Madigan.

You ask, "Mazrian, you want to lead us all the way in?"

Comfrin shakes Madigan's hand.

Mazrian nods.

Maintain nods politely.

Mazrian says, "Join up, and I'll take us all in."

You add Mazrian to your group.

Tekhelet joins your group.

You designate Mazrian as the new leader of the group.

Mazrian nods to Madigan.

Madigan joins Mazrian's group.

Mazrian says, "Ok, we are moving."

Mazrian says, "Going to the crackling orb, then through."

Mazrian says, "Moving now."

Madigan bows to Mistanna.

You ask, "When we get there, they'll each have to go through yes?"

You follow Mazrian west.

[Zengmodaleth, Jalmor Olkan]<br>
The hallway abruptly ends here, and the splayed piping bends to the ground where it seems to feed a large pool from which emerge half a dozen stacked columns about a Gor'Tog's height across. The pool is filled with a silvery-black liquid, and the columns crackle with energy and their surfaces churn as the strange fluid flows along narrow grooves etched along their sides. Arrayed along the ceiling are gaethzen orbs, casting a bright, even light across the area. A faint breeze swirls around, pushed by the motion of the fluid.<br>
You also see a crackling orb of blue and green swirled lightning.<br>
Also here: a calmed Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, a calmed Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, a calmed Athanasius, a calmed Depth Preserver Lupdels, a calmed Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, a calmed Warlock Comfrin, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Shield Maiden Betlind, a calmed Polymath Messica, a calmed Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who is sheathed in an aura of crackling electricity, a calmed Sir Madigan and a calmed Mazrian who has a stony visage.<br>
Obvious exits: east.

Mazrian points at a crackling orb of blue and green swirled lightning.

Mazrian says, "Go orb, we'll regroup on the other side."

Mazrian nods in agreement.

Mistanna curtsies.

Mazrian says, "I'll go last in case of s tragglers."

You nod to Mazrian.

Far ahead, a purple glow pulsates at a regular interval, and the tunnel begins to widen as you near the end of the journey. The binding flashes and your body goes rigid, and you find yourself deposited at...<br>
[Plasma Vortex, Eastern Pylon]<br>
A softly glowing energy field pulses far above, behind which the pitch black and featureless sky is periodically crisscrossed with jagged bolts of filamentous lightning, unfurling in surges. Thunder rattles the area both immediately and with delays, clouding any sense of scale or distance. Ozone and lubricating solvents fill the air, and where the lightning strikes the field, blossoming sparks and ribbons of energy peel outward in mesmerizing displays. To the west, a caged sphere of rapidly spinning purple screeches, incessantly lashing against four curved pylons placed in an enclosing square.<br>
You also see a crackling orb of blue and green swirled lightning.<br>
Also here: Shield Maiden Betlind, Depth Preserver Lupdels, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Polymath Messica, Athanasius, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who is sheathed in an aura of crackling electricity, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Sir Madigan and Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames.<br>
Obvious exits: southwest, northwest.

Athanasius ponders.

Messica leans on Betlind.

Betlind dusts herself off.

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

You smile.

The crackling orb jitters wildly and blossoms with blinding lightning! When your vision clears, you see Mazrian standing there, wide-eyed and disoriented!

Siendra gazes off into the distance.

Mazrian says, "Ok, we should all be grouped."

Mazrian says, "And indeed we are."

Mazrian says, "Ah, there we go."

You smile.

You briefly drop to one knee as you hail Uryutis with a clenched fist over your heart and a respectful nod.

Siendra smiles.

Betlind kicks the back of her cloth of gold cloak out of the way and bows deeply from the waist.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Shaylynne nods politely to Eyst.

Whiteburn nods politely to you.

Tirost smiles at Siendra.

Constantia smiles at Betlind.

Uryutis says, "I just wanted to share a few things as an update. Regarding your experiments, I'm unsure, indeed, a bit lost myself."

You exclaim, "Uryutis, always a pleasure!"

Eyst nods politely to Shaylynne.

Lupdels gazes at Uryutis.

Uryutis waves to you.

Saragos nods to Uryutis.

Mazrian nods to Uryutis.

Mazrian coughs.

Mazrian bows to Uryutis.

Athanasius chuckles.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You tug at the bottom of your military-style jacket, adjusting the fit.

Kethrai utters a brief, inquiring "mrrp?" in Uryutis's direction.

Uryutis says, "My research is at a bit of a standstill. I've faced experimental failure after failure, and am uncertain of how to proceed."

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Uryutis says, "There is something wrong with this place which seems to defy any effort to quantify or isolate. Frustratingly, my peers seem to think I'm simply failing in my experimental designs."

Dantia frowns.

Perune asks, "What are you working on?"

Whiteburn casually observes the area.

Tirost tilts his head, clearly curious about something.

Uryutis says to Perune, "Trying to isolate what is wrong with this place."

Uryutis says, "My protocols are not flawed. If there is a failure it is in an unknown that is far more serious than a mere unaccounted for variable."

Athanasius nods to Uryutis.

Uryutis says, "Grasping at straws, I consulted with Moon Mage associates, and was concerned to hear of the frequency of which the Plane of Electricity has featured in their visions, and how. The custodians have featured in many visions in various state of aggression, and alarmingly, ah, productivity."

Lupdels gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Dantia gives a slight nod.

Siendra gazes at Uryutis.

Lupdels frowns.

Miskton nods.

Mazrian nods at Uryutis, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lupdels holds a regally high-collared black robe trimmed with complex copper piping in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Ayrell nods.

Karthor strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Whiteburn grows still, fixing Uryutis with a cold, calculating look and lowering her tail slightly.

Athanasius chuckles.

You get a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside your black coat.

Maintain frowns.

You carefully open a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald".

Uryutis says, "Yes, I am concerned with what they may be working on. No, I have no idea what it could mean, and the Moon Mages were unable to confirm if this was to be taken literally or metaphorically."

You drum your fingers on your oak-bound volume, thinking quietly to yourself.

Uryutis says, "I am at a loss. All I know if Daervlan is increasingly agitated and withdrawn, and something is happening to this place, and maybe others."

Perune asks, "Lord Daervlan is unaware of their work?"

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Tirost glances at Saragos.

Uryutis says to Perune, "He's not talking about it with us, at least."

Mazrian quietly says, "Remember, everyone, if this does come to fighting, do NOT use electricity spells."

Lupdels pulls a jaunty caramel fedora accented with a small adderstone shark down over his ears.

Saragos asks Uryutis, "Can you offer an opinion as to whether the dark-robed figure resembles Daervlan, or perhaps someone else?"

Dantia grins at Mazrian.

Saragos says, "From the visions, that is."

You nod to Mazrian.

Athanasius says, "My experience is that when someone refuses to talk about something they usually know more than they want to share."

Anuril stands near Kethrai.

Anuril settles into a defensive stance, his gaze surveying the area.

Uryutis says to Saragos, "I've spoken to Moon Mages about that, and the impression they get it is that it is him. It certainly seems to behave like him."

Comfrin scans the area with a steadfast and intent gaze, searching for one in need of protection.

Tirost nods to Uryutis.

Uryutis says, "Their visions are difficult to interpret. I tend to look at the literally, which they assure me is a mistake."

Saragos nods to Uryutis.

Miskton grins wryly.

Athanasius rubs a haralun hand axe.

There is a bright flash of crimson and azure light from the south.

Uryutis says, "At them literally, even."

Siendra gazes off to the south.

Whiteburn asks Uryutis, "Others. Other planes?"

Miskton says, "Sometimes they are, but usually there's at least some metaphor in there."

Miskton nods.

Mazrian dryly says, "Most useful in hindsight, visions."

Betlind nods at Mazrian, obviously agreeing with his views.

Perune nods to Mazrian.

Karthor nods at Mazrian, obviously agreeing with his views.

Constantia chuckles.

Uryutis says to Whiteburn, "Yes. Even our own Plane."

Whiteburn folds her arms across her chest.

Miskton asks Uryutis, "Speaking of visions... On top of everything else going on... in your studies of this place, and the Plane of Electricity in general, have you come across anything about spiders made of lightning?"

Karthor asks, "Does that have somethin' to do with the...oddities...seen in magic occasionally of late?"

Karthor scratches his head.

Whiteburn glances at Karthor.

Dantia nods to Karthor.

Dantia quietly says to Karthor, "Good question."

Perune says to Karthor, "Oh? Are there..? I've been pretty lazy, you'll have to tell me about that."

Uryutis asks Miskton, "So, that's... Yes, firstly, there are things here that we could say have the approximate form of spiders, but that is sort of a... Square peg, square hole, but all square things aren't the same, you know?"

Karthor nods to Perune.

Karthor says to Perune, "Sure, be happy to. It's very intermittent, an' very odd."

Miskton nods.

Whiteburn gives a slight nod.

You see Anuril turn an oravir pylon.

Anuril hums to himself.

Constantia glances at Anuril.

You say, "Many squarish things in different dimensions."

Betlind begins chortling at Anuril.

Uryutis says, "If it has a lot of legs and walks along a web of something and wraps stuff up in that something and preys by waiting and trapping, sure, that's spider-like. It... is not a spider, but we're splitting hairs here I suppose."

You get a copper dodecahedron with raised edges terminating in tiny globes from inside your book bag.

You tilt your copper dodecahedron side to side, making the light play off it.

Maintain asks, "A square here is not a square there, but a square there is also a square here?"

You put your dodecahedron in your book bag.

You get a pristine goose feather quill from inside your black coat.

Siendra nods to Maintain.

You write something on a page in your oak-bound volume.

Uryutis says, "That analogy is muddied. The point I'm getting at is that there is life here, and it is strange and beautiful and it's own thing."

Tirost nods.

Maintain gives a slight nod.

Karthor closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Miskton says, "I suppose I'm slightly less concerned with matters of taxonomy, and more if I should be thinking about the possibility of getting jumped by something like that."

Miskton grins.

Athanasius asks, "So my head is different in both places... got it. How can we help you now though Uryutis?"

Miskton says, "Though classifying it is interesting challenge in its own right."

Miskton nods.

Messica says to Maintain, "Topologically speaking, a square can refer to shapes in multiple numbers of dimensions, all of which are both similar to and different from each other."

Maintain says, "This monk is familiar with the concept of paralellism across planes being a privilege of the observer rather than a cosmic truth."

Tirost glances at Messica.

Kethrai scratches one ear, looking bemused.

Betlind grins at Messica, her dimples flashing into view.

Dantia grins at Madigan.

Kethrai quietly says, "Speaking of life."

Lupdels nods to Maintain.

Kethrai says, "The other strange thing I've noticed here is... the Life mana in this area."

Maintain quietly says to Siendra, "Except crabs. Crabs are the same in all places."

Saragos asks, "Everyone join up with me, if you aren't already?"

Siendra appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Uryutis says to Athanasius, "Conduct your experiments, learn what you can. I don't know what will happen, but I know things are changing, and Daervlan is concerned and the space is shifting."

Betlind joins Saragos's group.

Mazrian joins Saragos's group.

Athanasius joins Saragos's group.

Mistanna joins Saragos's group.

Maintain joins Saragos's group.

Messica joins Saragos's group.

Shaylynne joins Saragos's group.

Lupdels joins Saragos's group.

Siendra says to Maintain, "They are perfect evolution."

Siendra joins Saragos's group.

You take your rightful place beside Saragos.

Maintain nods at Siendra, obviously agreeing with her views.

Madigan joins Saragos's group.

Kintryn grins at Saragos.

Karthor asks Kethrai, "How so?"

Saragos whispers to your group, "OOC: Hey, everyone the GM running Uryutis was kind enough to share this with us about our plans tonight, and I'm super grateful for the openness: "Large plans coming. I am behind on this for personal reasons, but I think you'll like what happens next, which will be soon! Feel free to share my apologies for the delays with the group.""

Saragos whispers to your group, "OOC: We'll finish talking with him, and then we're going to run through what we've got planned anyway and see if we get any results, and use whatever we get as a reason to go back, retool our experiments, and plot our next moves."

Kethrai says to Karthor, "Up where we entered, there's practically none. Just what leaks in through the portal. It's as if this place is empty of life."

Miskton says to Maintain, "Also generally rather tasty."

Karthor strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Kethrai says, "But here... There's at least... some. More than there."

Maintain gives Miskton a slight nod.

Madigan nods to Dantia.

Mazrian says, "I'll be right back."

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Karthor nods to Kethrai.

Saragos asks Uryutis, "Have you seen any signs of the giant construct in the visions, or the cube?"

Whiteburn quietly says, "May Firulf have mercy on such pilgrims as we."

Messica says to Maintain, "In a sufficient number of dimensions, it would be a hyper-crab."

Mazrian says, "Ah, mission accomplished."

Saragos smiles at Whiteburn.

Mazrian flashes a quick grin at Exoduss.

Exoduss waves to you.

You grin at Mazrian.

Karthor says to Kethrai, "True enough. Usually a sign that livin' is takin' place one way or another."

Uryutis says to Saragos, "No, and that is very alarming to me."

You beam at Exoduss!

Exoduss grins like an idiot.

You nod to Exoduss.

Exoduss praises you.

Tirost says to Saragos, "Hidden somewhere beyond our reach, perhaps."

Uryutis says, "Though, the Moon Mages assure me it may be a metaphor, which did not make me any less concerned."

Kethrai says to Karthor, "But the only things we've seen around here that are even animate are the constructs."

Mazrian quietly asks, "What does "the space shifting" mean?"

Cryle asks Kethrai, "Our own infleunce, perhaps?"

Mazrian gazes at Uryutis.

Saragos says to Uryutis, "To us too. We've already had experiences fighting giagantic foes, and we don't particularly want to repeat that."

Perune asks Uryutis, "Are there areas here that have been kept from you?"

Karthor nods to Kethrai.

Saragos nods to Uryutis.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Karthor says to Kethrai, "Aye, curious."

Maintain says, "If your metaphor is a literal representation of an actual potential threat, it is a poor metaphor."

Kethrai says to Cryle, "I don't think so. The effect is too great, and greater here than up there."

Uryutis says to Mazrian, "The structure is always shifting, but the edges of the Plane are shifting. It is difficult to notice."

Eyst frowns.

Perune asks, "Expansion or contracting?"

Uryutis says to Perune, "Daervlan would not allow me access to places he didn't want me to access. But I can wander, a bit. It's a large Plane, like Plane's tend to be."

Xelten says, "Nothing a handful of Paladins cannot solve again, I am sure."

Betlind hums to herself.

Perune nods to Uryutis.

Saragos grins at Xelten.

Dantia grins at Xelten.

Uryutis says, "I'm not even sure I'd be able to tell I was unable to access a space he didn't want me to know about."

Lupdels asks, "How many Paladins fit in your hands?"

Shaylynne grins at Xelten.

Lupdels acts puzzled.

Uryutis says, "I certainly wouldn't press the issue."

Siendra cocks her head.

Perune says, "Fair."

Eyst asks Uryutis, "By shifting you mean merely moving? Not... changing, weakening or some such?"

Mazrian nods to Uryutis.

Maintain asks Uryutis, "Is this entity prone to anger?"

Mazrian asks Uryutis, "Mm...shifting inward, subtlely?"

Uryutis says to Eyst, "The shape upon which the structure resides is shifting. Whether that is in response to external or internal perturbances is unclear. There are also ripples of a sort that can be detected at the edges."

Uryutis asks Maintain, "Which entity?"

Saragos asks Uryutis, "Is it possible that the structure itself is what maintains the coherence of this Plane in a way that we can walk around, and that shifting at the edges might be a sign of fluctuations in the machinery?"

You gaze thoughtfully at Uryutis.

Lupdels gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

You pause for a moment to gather in your surroundings, trying to recall everything you know of the area.

You were unable to recall anything about the area.

Uryutis says to Saragos, "An interesting idea, I hadn't considered it that way. My impression is no, though I may be wrong. I always thought the structure was merely a conduit, a means to draw from the vast energies that are this place."

Cryle meditatively rocks back and forth on the soles of her brown boots.

Athanasius asks, "If a square is not a square in all palces then has anyone considered that we may be inside of an entity at this moment rather than simply on the plane in which it exists?"

Tirost nods to Uryutis.

You ask, "My question is, does anthing that happens here support or affect what is happening in the Plane of Abiding?"

Comfrin scans the area with a steadfast and intent gaze, searching for one in need of protection.

Uryutis inhales a great swallow of air.

Maintain glances at you.

You ask, "For example, is the shifting, or erosion that is happening here going to affect us? Is the structure a kind of support for us?"

Saragos says, "That's a biiig question."

Saragos grins at you.

Uryutis says to you, "I don't know."

You flash a quick grin at Saragos.

You exclaim, "We must be brave enough to ask the big questions!"

Uryutis says to you, "I don't know if they are linked, or if it is the same issue occurring in both places."

Siendra smiles at you.

Kethrai nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You nod to Uryutis.

Dantia nods to Madigan.

You write something on a page in your oak-bound volume.

Siendra exclaims to you, "It was a great question!"

Uryutis says, "I don't know if this place is weaker for some reason, or stronger for a different."

Madigan nods to Saragos.

Uryutis says, "I sometimes feel we are walking a tight rope in a hurricane, and I don't know if we should lean into the wind or if the winds will shift."

You nod to Uryutis.

You say, "That sounds very grave."

Tirost grins wryly.

Perune says, "On a long enough timeline, they always shift."

Uryutis nods at Perune, obviously agreeing with his views.

Perune says, "So just hold on, I guess."

Dantia nods to Madigan.

Kaelie rubs Mazrian's left hand.

Kaelie gently kisses Mazrian on the cheek.

Dantia smiles at Kaelie.

Shaylynne says to you, "If the borders of the planes connect, like a fault line, I'd think the shifting of one would impact another."

Mazrian rubs Kaelie's back.

You nod to Shaylynne.

You say, "Indeed, but my wondering was more about what this plane is being used for."

Athanasius says, "No matter which way we lean it might be prudent to tie a safetly line to whatever the tight rope is in this analogy."

Lupdels says, "Or like a balloon that's been inflated, and it's been popped and deflating."

Uryutis says, "I would suggest things have shifted more in recent memory than ever before, but time lines are longer than my memory or historical understanding."

You say, "If Lord Daervlan has, for example, actually built or maintains a structure specifically to affect the Abiding in some way."

Siendra says, "And when does it stop...the impacts. What if we inadvertantly, you know...electrocute the whole world, basically."

Nemy closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Whiteburn's tail undulates passively just above the ground.

Maintain says, "While planar breaches are known to worsen through constant contact, this monk is unaware of, ah, 'ripple' effects. That would be most commonly attributed to the beings that cross."

Uryutis says to you, "Oh, to clarify, Daervlan did not build the structure. Maybe parts of it, but it is much older than he is."

Tirost nods to Athanasius.

You say, "Oh I know, of course. I've perceived the history there."

You smile at Uryutis.

Uryutis exclaims, "Ah yes, indeed!"

You say, "I meant, if he is building other things, or maintaining the structure."

You say, "In one of the visions he seems to be building some sort of object, and is unhappy with the result."

Saragos says, "I think we can answer one question about the importance of this place partially, through the experience of a Necromancer, if we can trust such things. He saw something interesting when focusing on the Structure here."

Uryutis says to you, "Yes. Experiments, or contraptions."

Saragos says to Uryutis, "I don't know if we related this to you. Allow me to recite it."

Kethrai gives Saragos a slight nod.

You nod to Uryutis.

Saragos recites:<br>
'' "I closed my eyes, and as I focused, I struggled to comprehend what my magical senses detected. A confused ocean of brilliance lay before me, and an endless void behind me. In the boundless distance, behind the vast nothingness, I heard them, screaming and skittering for a chance to approach, shying away from the timeless light that gradually, so very gradually, dims with the passing eons. They are not patient, but they know they will eventually have this place."''

Betlind whispers something to Madigan.

Tirost shifts his weight.

Uryutis scowls.

Perune says, "I think it is reasonable to assume that any serious changes here would affect our own Plane, as the energy here leaks into our own and our reality utilizes that."

Madigan beams at Betlind!

Madigan praises Betlind.

Betlind bows to Madigan.

Constantia frowns.

Tirost nods to Perune.

You nod to Perune.

Saragos says, "As I said before, I don't buy the pessimism, but that's enough for me to be concerned that the structure is important to *something* and must be protected."

Siendra nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

You say to Perune, "Yes, but my question is if it is purposefully or structurally built to support ours in some way. Of course, the answer is that we don't know."

Dantia grins at Telamont.

Whiteburn darkly says, "The polluted hallucinations of tainted madmen."

Constantia glances at Whiteburn.

Uryutis says, "You know of my academic interest in the perceptual bias conferred via mana sensitivity and other senses. I value the data of each perceptual angle."

Lupdels asks, "We came here through one plane and created a portal into it. What if someone, or something, were in another plane, trying to get to the Plane of Abiding, but couldn't go the direct route? Could they come here in an effort to get through a backdoor?"

Cryle irritably asks, "When do necromancers not feel such things?"

Saragos nods to Uryutis.

Tirost nods to Uryutis.

You smile at Uryutis.

Xelten says, "Ah, a proper student of Meraud."

Nemy curtsies gracefully to Uryutis.

You lightly say to Uryutis, "Still hoping you'll teach us that trick of yours one day."

Nemy says to Uryutis, "Stills dark."

Nemy giggles.

Tirost smiles at Xelten.

Uryutis says, "But I believe Whiteburn is not wrong to note what Necromancers perceive is not without it's tint of madness, bias, and corruption. As are all impressions, but nails and hammers and all."

Nemy glances at a plasma sphere.

Whiteburn flicks the tip of her tail toward the ground sharply.

You nod to Uryutis.

Saragos says to Lupdels, "Previous experiments have shown that the portal between this place and the Plane of Abiding is strongly resistant to that."

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Uryutis says, "I would not be surprised if the demonic had noted this place. Daervlan has not expressed concerned with the demonic."

Kethrai quietly says, "And yet, some of us here have seen the... same things they were talking about. Have seen the skittering impatient 'they' who would want to come through."

Mazrian folds his arms across his chest.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Miskton says to Lupdels, "I suppose it does sound possible, though. But depending on the entity, they might also find the Plane of Electricity outside of Zengmodaleth to be inhospitable."

Whiteburn matter-of-factly says to Uryutis, "Everyone should be concerned of such."

Maintain says, "If you are already an invader, it becomes exponentially more difficult to continue on to another plane. If demons did get here from the Plane of Abiding, they would likely be severely weakened."

Betlind nods at Whiteburn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Saragos says to Maintain, "My guess as well. We know, at least, that they don't like the light of the structure."

Lupdels says, "Would mean you must be rather desperate to take the long route."

You say, "I should note too that planar beings typically find any other plane aside from their own to be hostile in some way. It's difficult for them to make it through. There's no reason I know of that this plane would be more hospitable to them than ours."

You nod to Maintain.

Kethrai asks, "But what if they are not coming from a plane of their own but coming from the void itself?"

Perune says, "I believe I am ready for experimentation."

You blink at Kethrai.

Ayrell nods to Perune.

Uryutis says, "Of note, much of this Plane is pretty inhospitable. It's not exactly a walk in a serene meadow."

You say to Kethrai, "Even demons have a plane, the Plane of Exile."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Is there a reason you believe that might be so?"

Maintain gives Uryutis a wry grin.

Perune says to Uryutis, "Might poke your head sometime about a solution to the problem of making the aetheric tunnel barrier useful in practice."

Madigan snaps to attention and hails Whiteburn with a crisp hand salute.

Maintain says, "This part of the plane is surprisingly mild, of course."

Uryutis nods to Perune.

Uryutis says to Maintain, "That is by design, I assume."

Perune says, "I thought of some possible artifice solutions."

Maintain nods at Uryutis, obviously agreeing with his views.

Whiteburn says, "Forgive me, I must away. May Firulf's foresight guide our paths here."

Kethrai says to Tirost, "No specific reasons, it just seemed that they were coming not from one place to another, but from outside to inside."

With a curt nod and a hieratic gesture of dismissal, Whiteburn turns on her heel and strides off.

Anuril asks Uryutis, "Was the whole plane inhospitable to us at some point? Does the structure create a safe area?"

Eyst says, "Of course, the nature of corruption is that it changes the area and beings where it has broken through. Creating an environment to suit itself presumably."

Dantia nods.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Maintain says, "This one's fur itches, which is very strange as he is currently not in moonskin."

You nod politely.

Uryutis says to Anuril, "I'm not sure, but the structure, and everything built on and around it, is very very old."

Anuril nods to Uryutis.

Miskton says to Anuril, "I am fairly certain we would die almost instantly if not within this structure."

Maintain says, "But it is a mild discomfort."

Xelten asks, "Do you have a sense of how old?"

Uryutis says, "I'll get back to my research now. Good luck with your experiment."

You smile at Uryutis.

Maintain touches a hand to his mouth and offers a prayer for Uryutis's continued safety and good fortune.

You ask, "One more question for you?"

Madigan stands near Dantia.

Perune says, "Good luck."

Kethrai bows to Uryutis.

Betlind bows to Uryutis.

Uryutis nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lupdels bows to Uryutis.

Uryutis nods.

Ayrell curtsies gracefully to Uryutis.

Uryutis asks you, "Yes?"

Dantia shakes her head at Madigan.

Madigan shakes his head at Tirost.

Siendra bows to Uryutis.

Karthor strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Cryle offers Uryutis a baked ham sandwich.

You ask Uryutis, "What do you make of the tones, in addition to the lights? Do you think them... conveying the same message? Or are they important in their own way?"

Uryutis chuckles at Cryle.

Uryutis accepts Cryle's ham sandwich.

Uryutis says to Cryle, "I do always forget to eat."

Saragos grins at Cryle.

Cryle nods in agreement.

Messica gazes intently into her sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface.

You say, "The custodians both produce a chirping song in addition to flashing lights, for those who weren't here last time."

Tirost nods to Madigan.

Siendra says to Uryutis, "Thank you for your invaluable help."

Athanasius ponders.

Uryutis asks you, "I believe the custodians communicate in many ways and we are able to witness some of them. Sound carries information light cannot, and vice versa. Are you asking about the intent or scope of the tones based on your own impressions of music?"

Maintain takes a dusty leather explorer's hat with a wide brim off his head.

Athanasius asks, "I'd like to experiment. Would it upset any balance here if I were to cast awaken forest and see what life responds?"

You say to Uryutis, "I suppose, yes."

You say, "We noticed oddities in both the tones and the lights, and I'm wondering how to fit it all together."

Uryutis looks at Athanasius and shrugs.

Uryutis says to you, "You and me both."

Madigan bows to Tirost.

You say, "Especially given that some of us are more inclined toward musical notation."

Tirost smiles.

Athanasius asks, "More to the point, is it dangerous to try?"

Tirost bows to Madigan.

Saragos says to Athanasius, "Go ahead, just don't do it when we see the custodians."

Athanasius nods.

Uryutis looks at Athanasius and shrugs.

You say to Uryutis, "Thank you for your insights, Scholar."

Uryutis says to you, "Thank you for your big questions."

Maintain nods politely to Uryutis.

Saragos says to Uryutis, "Thanks for taking the time to come talk with us. Hopefully we can shake something lose between all of us."

You gently close a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald".

You smile at Uryutis.

Mazrian nods.

Tirost nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Uryutis nods to Saragos.

Messica smiles at Uryutis.

You put your volume in your black coat.

Mazrian nods in agreement.

You put your quill in your black coat.

Tirost bows to Uryutis.

Miskton nods politely to Uryutis.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Uryutis says, "I hope we'll learn more soon."

Dantia smiles.

You nod in agreement.

Uryutis says, "Good luck."

Uryutis waves.

Maintain says to Uryutis, "May Meraud see to your success."

Athanasius ponders.

Siendra smiles.

Tirost says to Uryutis, "Thank you for speaking with us. Farewell."

Scholar of the Grove Uryutis goes northeast.

Kethrai asks Athanasius, "Anything?"

Madigan nods to Mazrian.

Athanasius says, "Nothing. There is life magic but nothing to bind together with it."

Madigan left the group.

You leave the group.

Xelten says, "That is a matter of perspective."

Xelten waves to a plague spawn.

Kethrai says, "Strange..."

Madigan says, "Navesi, I will join with you m'lady."

Saragos says, "We're going to let Madigan go and drop a Banner. The rest of us will follow when he says that it's ready."

Madigan joins your group.

Madigan nods to you.

You nod at Madigan, in complete agreement with his views.

Athanasius says, "Nothing to bind with LIFE magic my friend."

Cryle asks Mazrian, "No electric spells...?"

Perune raises one hand in a commanding gesture, grinning smugly.

You say to Madigan, "Let's be off."

[Scador li Darva, Entrance]<br>
An expansive facility sprawls to the south, enormous workshops pumping and churning strangely glowing sheets of crackling energy into bizarre and unrecognizable constructions. Rows of towering shelves hold perfect geometric forms bound in glossy silvery fiber, and a veritable army of custodians move in carefully choreographed service to the enterprise. A circular entryway is the sole disruption to an otherwise perfectly featureless wall to the north.<br>
Obvious exits: southeast, southwest.

Madigan followed.

Madigan says, "Let me know where, and you will need to leave m'lady."

You get a slender helical warhorn trimmed with orichalcum knotwork from inside your canvas rucksack.

You sound a fierce call of warning in an attempt at scaring away anything nearby with malicious intentions.

You put your warhorn in your canvas rucksack.

You say, "Here sir."

Madigan nods.

You disband Madigan.

You go north.

[Plasma Vortex, Southern Pylon]<br>
A softly glowing energy field pulses far above, behind which the pitch black and featureless sky is periodically crisscrossed with jagged bolts of filamentous lightning, unfurling in surges. Thunder rattles the area both immediately and with delays, clouding any sense of scale or distance. Ozone and lubricating solvents fill the air, and where the lightning strikes the field, blossoming sparks and ribbons of energy peel outward in mesmerizing displays. To the north, a caged sphere of rapidly spinning purple screeches, incessantly lashing against four curved pylons placed in an enclosing square. A narrow walkway extends to the south.<br>
You also see a plague spawn.<br>
Also here: Brother Maintain who is emanating a malevolent holy aura, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, Athanasius, Polymath Messica, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Depth Preserver Lupdels, Shield Maiden Betlind, Warlock Comfrin, Mazrian who has a stony visage, Carnage Darling Dantia, Bastion of Life Karthor, Esotericist Eyst, Kintryn, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Salvitoriel, Elamiri Lady Ayrell who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Storm Maiden Constantia who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Xelten, Philomath Miskton, Nepenthe Kethrai, Perune who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Apprentice Warrior Mage Anuril who has a fiery visage, Cryle, Zalinyar and Tempest Knight Saragos who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere.<br>
Obvious exits: northeast, south, northwest.

Anuril says to Cryle, "Grounding Field specifically we are going to try near a custodian."

[Personal][Madigan] "<to you>" "It is done m'lady."

Mazrian says, "Nothing offensive, anyway."

You "<to Madigan>" "We will come to you."

Mazrian says, "The Selreks can turn those against you in a very spectacular way."

Cryle says, "Ah. ...I don't understand."

You take your rightful place beside Saragos.

Mazrian says, "Ask Tekhelet about it."

Mazrian chuckles.

Karthor says to Xelten, "Nah, that's a construct."

Tirost nods to Mazrian.

Saragos says, "Ok, we're ready. Moving in 10 to the Banner location."

Karthor chuckles.

Betlind grins at Tekhelet, her dimples flashing into view.

Maintain taps Siendra's nose.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Constantia stretches her arms.

Saragos says, "Join up if you're not with me."

Siendra smiles at Maintain.

Tekhelet joins Saragos's group.

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

You follow Saragos south.

[Scador li Darva, Entrance]<br>
An expansive facility sprawls to the south, enormous workshops pumping and churning strangely glowing sheets of crackling energy into bizarre and unrecognizable constructions. Rows of towering shelves hold perfect geometric forms bound in glossy silvery fiber, and a veritable army of custodians move in carefully choreographed service to the enterprise. A circular entryway is the sole disruption to an otherwise perfectly featureless wall to the north.<br>
You also see a ghostly white banner.<br>
Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Perune who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Elamiri Lady Ayrell who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Storm Maiden Constantia who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, Cryle, Apprentice Warrior Mage Anuril who has a fiery visage, Salvitoriel, Kintryn, Philomath Miskton, Zalinyar, Nepenthe Kethrai, Xelten, Bastion of Life Karthor, Esotericist Eyst, Carnage Darling Dantia, Shield Maiden Betlind, Mazrian who has a stony visage, Athanasius, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Polymath Messica, Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, Depth Preserver Lupdels, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, Tempest Knight Saragos who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere and a calmed Sir Madigan.<br>
Obvious exits: southeast, southwest.

Kethrai casually observes the area.

Madigan raises his hand in a quick salute.

You mumble a word of general praise.

Mazrian flashes a quick grin at Madigan.

Siendra shifts her weight.

Betlind beams at Madigan!

Dantia smiles at Madigan.

Saragos says, "Once they're no longer staying away from the warhorn, some custodians should filter in."

Tirost says to Mazrian, "Interesting speaking with the scholar."

Madigan quietly says, "Always have a bannered room for fallback and rally point."

Mazrian nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

Madigan smiles.

Betlind nods emphatically.

Mistanna nods at Madigan, obviously agreeing with his views.

Saragos nods to Tirost.

Tirost says to Mazrian, "Confirmed a lot of what we suspected from the visions."

Mazrian says, "Interesting and disturbing. Whatever's going on here is more serious than a bit of deviance."

Tirost nods in agreement.

Dantia joins Madigan's group.

Saragos puts his rod in a crackling eddy of seething blue light arcing from a lumium torus.

Dantia nods to Madigan.

Perune says, "Likely related to Daervlan's work."

You peer southeast and see ...<br>
[Scador li Darva, Arc Furnace]<br>
Dozens of furnaces are arrayed here, thick, paired discs of silvery coated metal wrapped in copper and cambrinth wire and mounted a few yards apart. The storms contained within are deafening, fed with glowing cables from below, pouring blindingly white liquid into channels for transport deeper into the facility. The custodians maintain the forges, adjusting power levels and throughput via interactions that defy understanding. To the southwest, a steady clanging of metal striking metal can be heard.<br>
You also see some static fibers.<br>
Obvious exits: southwest, northwest, down.

You peer southwest and see ...<br>
[Scador li Darva, Static Looms]<br>
Dozens of looms are arrayed here, silvery metal framework holding filament thin glowing wires of the warp taut, heddles vibrating too fast to follow, weft carriers oscillating back and forth in a blur. Wound static fiber is delivered from below, the custodians ensuring a steady supply of the thread-like material for processing. Performing esoteric adjustments to the machines, the custodians gather the finished weave on thick rollers and carry the cloth deeper into the facility. To the southeast, a steady clanging of metal striking metal can be heard.<br>
Obvious exits: northeast, southeast, down.

Mazrian nods to Perune.

Karthor closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Lupdels asks, "And just to reassure me, we're convinced that the portal created by the group in the first place isn't allowing the custodians to attack the Crossing and elsewhere because Uryutis says so, but he also admits he's stumped about all this?"

Madigan nods to Saragos.

Dantia nods to Madigan.

Mazrian says, "The plane is porus. There are many ways through."

You say to Lupdels, "Quite convinced. I put a quotation by Uryutis in one of the articles about it."

A lesser voltaic custodian bobs from the southwest on arcs of electricity.

You say to Lupdels, "I can find that for you if you like."

Dantia joins Madigan's group.

Constantia glances at a lesser voltaic custodian.

Maintain says, "Every time a Warrior Mage of Bard invokes lightning, for example."

Messica gazes intently into her sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface.

Mazrian says, "We have a custodian."

Zalinyar ponders.

Kethrai says, "And going through the static portal to the middle of nowhere in Therengia would be the least efficient way to Crossing, I suspect."

Miskton says, "As a practical matter, coming through the portal and making it to attack Crossing without causing issues in Therengia on the way is a bit unlikely."

Perune says, "I think there is a difference between knowing what the custodians are doing and not knowing what is going on within the secret locations of this vast place."

Lupdels asks you, "So the guy who doesn't know what's happening here is also certain we didn't open the portal to the end of the world?"

Lupdels shrugs.

Karthor peers over the rim of his spectacles.

You say, "He's very knowledgeable."

Perune says, "Or that is to say, knowing how they're getting into Crossing, for instance."

Lupdels says, "I'd like a second opinion on if we could cause the apocaylpse ..."

You nod to Lupdels.

Perune says, "Oh, we could cause that at any time."

Mazrian dryly asks, "Who would you consult?"

You say, "Please, invite any scholars you see fit."

Lupdels chuckles at Perune.

Madigan joins Saragos's group.

Dantia chuckles at Mazrian.

Dantia joins Saragos's group.

Maintain says to Lupdels, "Yes, but the odds are low."

Lupdels grins at Maintain.

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Perune asks Saragos, "What are we starting with, again?"

Karthor closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Saragos says, "Right now, we're waiting for a custodian."

Cryle asks, "I wonder if one of those capture jars would work to steal one of these custodian things away to research elsewhere?"

You nod to Cryle.

Saragos says, "I may need to mvoe to grapple one."

Perune says, "Its strange but uh, I don't see any, anywhere."

Kethrai says, "Strange... Last time we were here, this place was CRAWLING with custodians."

You say, "I wish I had one."

You nod to Kethrai.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Constantia frowns.

You say, "I wonder if they've moved? We did spot one just now."

Karthor casually observes the area.

Lupdels says, "The void must have forgotten to pay their overtime pay ..."

Constantia says, "That is a bit strange..."

You find yourself unable to hunt in this area.

Saragos says, "Once we have a custodian here, we'll move on to Part 1. I'll repeat what I said before about it."

Zalinyar nods to Saragos.

Perune nods.

Siendra joins Saragos's group.

Miskton says, "I can go looking and try to drive one this way, if I find one."

Saragos nods to Miskton.

Tirost glances at Betlind.

Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Miskton says, "Let's see what I can find..."

You say, "I'll go too."

Messica giggles at Betlind.

Betlind giggles at Tirost.

Perune says, "It will be interesting to see Cryle's work put to test, if only because so much work went into it."

Philomath Miskton strolls southwest.

Eyst says, "They may all be busy with the creation of their giant metal man."

Perune nods to Cryle.

Betlind grins at Messica, her dimples flashing into view.

You go southeast.

[Scador li Darva, Arc Furnace]<br>
Dozens of furnaces are arrayed here, thick, paired discs of silvery coated metal wrapped in copper and cambrinth wire and mounted a few yards apart. The storms contained within are deafening, fed with glowing cables from below, pouring blindingly white liquid into channels for transport deeper into the facility. The custodians maintain the forges, adjusting power levels and throughput via interactions that defy understanding. To the southwest, a steady clanging of metal striking metal can be heard.<br>
You also see a ghostly white banner and some static fibers.<br>
Obvious exits: southwest, northwest, down.

You go southwest.

[Scador li Darva, Ancillary Processing and Logistics]<br>
The focal point of the production to the north and above, the custodians gather processed materials and place them in a wide metal maw that regularly slams shut and opens, revealing an empty chamber. Nearby shelving units are emptied and almost immediately refilled, and the custodians ensure a steady stream of deliveries.<br>
Obvious exits: northeast, northwest.

[Scador li Darva, Entrance]<br>
An expansive facility sprawls to the south, enormous workshops pumping and churning strangely glowing sheets of crackling energy into bizarre and unrecognizable constructions. Rows of towering shelves hold perfect geometric forms bound in glossy silvery fiber, and a veritable army of custodians move in carefully choreographed service to the enterprise. A circular entryway is the sole disruption to an otherwise perfectly featureless wall to the north.<br>
You also see a lesser voltaic custodian that appears rather calm and a ghostly white banner.<br>
Also here: a calmed Lady of Frostbite Siendra, a calmed Sir Madigan, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, a calmed Perune who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Elamiri Lady Ayrell who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Storm Maiden Constantia who is surrounded by a pale electrical sphere, a calmed Cryle, a calmed Apprentice Warrior Mage Anuril who has a fiery visage, a calmed Salvitoriel, a calmed Kintryn, a calmed Zalinyar, a calmed Nepenthe Kethrai, a calmed Xelten, a calmed Bastion of Life Karthor, a calmed Esotericist Eyst, a calmed Carnage Darling Dantia, a calmed Shield Maiden Betlind, a calmed Mazrian who has a stony visage, a calmed Athanasius, a calmed Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, a calmed Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, a calmed Polymath Messica, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Depth Preserver Lupdels, a calmed Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage and a calmed Tempest Knight Saragos who has a stony visage.<br>
Obvious exits: southeast, southwest.

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

Karthor peers at a lesser voltaic custodian over the rim of his spectacles.

Constantia gazes at a lesser voltaic custodian.

Cryle tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Tirost nods to Athanasius.

Kethrai casually observes the area.

Saragos says, "Ok, let's get started."

Siendra quietly asks, "Have we brought lights to flash at it?"

Miskton joins Saragos's group.

''> desc cust''
Walking on jagged stilts of electricity, the voltaic custodian is an intricately constructed orichalcum coil suspended inside a beryl-hued ball lightning. What pass for limbs appear to be fluidly defined: transient arcs continuously sprout or blow away.

You say, "Excellent."

You get a copper observational gadget wrapped in rich brown leather from inside your book bag.

You hook your fingers around one end of the gadget, pulling it out into its fully extended form.

Tirost gazes at you.

You get a pair of copper-riveted leather goggles from inside your book bag.

Kethrai asks, "Red blue green blue is the pattern?"

Messica asks, "Where did it go?"

Perune asks you, "What in the blazes is that?"

You put on a pair of copper-riveted leather goggles.

Tirost chuckles.

Tekhelet says, "It's gone/."

You exclaim, "It's for observations!"

Miskton ponders.

Kethrai blinks.

You show Perune your observational gadget.

Tirost says to Perune, "My thoughts exactly."

Siendra says, "It ran away."

You adjust your leather goggles into place.

Siendra frowns.

Lupdels says, "Shy little thing."

Eyst says, "Rather good idea."

Siendra nods to Lupdels.

Tirost nods to Lupdels.

Zalinyar searches around for a moment.

Perune says, "Huh."

Tekhelet says to Siendra, "Stop scaring it away."

Eyst gets some riveted steel sun goggles with darkly shaded lenses from inside his tinker's pack.

Perune says, "Neat."

Tirost glances at Siendra.

Tirost holds his hand up before his mouth and begins to cough, his shoulders shaking. Hope it's not contagious!

Eyst carefully arranges some riveted steel sun goggles with darkly shaded lenses on his eyes so that it accents his features.

Siendra says, "I'm sorry I'm so menacing."

Siendra nods.

Madigan gently kisses Dantia on the cheek.

A lesser voltaic custodian bobs from the southwest on arcs of electricity.

Dantia grins at Madigan.

Athanasius asks, "Are these custodians given to violence?"

Siendra appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Saragos begins to advance on a lesser voltaic custodian.

Perune nods to Siendra.

Zalinyar grins at Siendra, her dimples flashing into view.

Kethrai points at a lesser voltaic custodian.

Saragos begins to advance on a lesser voltaic custodian.

Saragos begins to advance on a lesser voltaic custodian.

You exclaim, "Get it, dear!"

You notice Athanasius slip into a hiding place.

You notice Athanasius trying to slip in behind the voltaic custodian.

Saragos begins to advance on a lesser voltaic custodian.

Mazrian says, "Often, in this location specifically. But we're under a banner of truce here."

Cryle points at a ghostly white banner.

Xelten dryly says, "Do not worry. They are not interested in life."

Messica raises her palms skyward, chanting.

You notice Athanasius attempting to stealthily advance upon a lesser voltaic custodian.

Betlind nods.

Mazrian says, "So ideally, we can all be calm."

Oddly panicked, a lesser voltaic custodian runs in.

Cryle says, "I wonder..."

(Saragos stands before the custodian and prepares the cantrip.)

Miskton says, "Well, there's another one, just in case."

Cryle peers quizzically at a lesser voltaic custodian.

(Saragos gestures, and flashes a pattern of brightly colored lights on Aether spheres. The pattern is: red, blue, green, blue.)

Messica raises her palms skyward, chanting.

Miskton joins Saragos's group.

You take your rightful place beside Saragos.

Cryle asks Saragos, "What colours were those?"

Miskton ponders.

Athanasius shivers.

A thundrous *BOOM* echoes through the area, and the custodians freeze in place for a moment!

Perune says, "Saragos is beginning his aetheric soul dance, observe."

Kethrai quietly says to Cryle, "Red, blue, green, blue."

Constantia blinks.

Karthor raises an eyebrow.

Kethrai casually observes the area.

Perune blinks.

(Navesi peers through her gadget at the custodian.)

Cryle says, "Ah..."

Miskton says, "...Hmm."

Anuril frowns.

Saragos says, "Well..."

Siendra blinks.

Betlind casually observes the area.

You say, "Oh my, curious."

Karthor says, "Well, that did...somethin'."

Constantia nods.

Maintain says, "Interesting."

Karthor chuckles.

Tirost nods.

Perune says, "That was a pretty good dance, Saragos."

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Dantia stands near Madigan.

You nod in agreement.

Tirost grins at Perune.

Saragos chuckles at Perune.

Athanasius asks, "Yeah... that's definently the beginning of the end of the world right?"

Karthor casually observes the area.

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Perune says, "Looks like you found the combination to halt work on the world-conqueror."

Athanasius searches around for a moment.

Anuril says, "We should look around for where the... explosion was."

Xelten smiles as he holds one hand in front of him and lightly taps it with the other.

Miskton nods at Anuril, obviously agreeing with his views.

Saragos says, "I'm going to try the second pattern."

Eyst casually observes the area.

Tekhelet says, "It's gone."

You nod to Saragos.

Mistanna says, "Good luck all, I am needed."

Tekhelet asks Siendra, "What did I say?"

Mistanna waves.

Mazrian blinks.

(Saragos faces another custodian and begins the sequence.)

Karthor says, "Slippery buggers this time 'round."

(Saragos gestures, and flashes a pattern of brightly colored lights on Aether spheres. The long pattern is: green, blue, blue, yellow, blue, red, yellow, blue, blue, green, blue, red, green, blue, red, blue, blue, red, yellow, blue, red, blue, green, red, blue, blue, blue, blue, yellow, red, blue, yellow, blue, blue, green, red, red. After he finishes, the spheres begin repeating the pattern.)

Mazrian says, "Well, that is very interesting."

Perune says, "I bet Daervlan will be pissed that your soul dance halted his domination plans."

Shaylynne blinks.

Tirost says, "There was certainly a reaction."

Cryle blinks at Saragos.

Siendra leans forward.

Zalinyar asks, "Can you get it?"

Saragos says to Cryle, "That one is your solution."

You ask Saragos, "And what is the meaning of this pattern, do you think?"

A blinding series of lights flash along the interior of the facility, green, blue, blue, yellow, blue, red, yellow, blue, blue, green, blue, red, green, blue, red, blue, blue, red, yellow, blue, red, blue, green, red, blue, blue, blue, blue, yellow, red, blue, yellow, blue, blue, green, red, red, repeating at full second intervals. After two repetitions, the flashes cease, and you blink away disorienting afterglows.

Lupdels leans on Siendra.

Maintain covers his eyes with his hand.

Athanasius blinks.

Cryle says to Saragos, "If you say so... I can't see red."

Tirost narrows his eyes.

Betlind blinks.

Athanasius pulls the hood of his cloak up.

Miskton joins Saragos's group.

Karthor rubs his eyes.

Miskton says, "Disorienting..."

Betlind begins an eerie, warbling wail of despair.

Kethrai blinks.

Siendra holds her breath.

Kethrai blinks.

You say, "Interesting. Perhaps being transmitted elsewhere."

Constantia says, "Hm..."

Athanasius paces back and forth, smiling slightly to himself.

Kintryn rubs her right eye.

Saragos says, "Hmm."

Xelten says, "Colorful."

You get a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside your black coat.

Ayrell nods in agreement.

Perune asks, "Maybe it will restart them from the halt command he gave?"

You carefully open a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald".

Kethrai asks, "That was... The same pattern I think? But was it shifted?"

Perune says, "Or it will call bigger ones to kill us."

Tirost glances at Betlind.

Betlind rubs her head.

Miskton says, "Didn't notice signs of something exploding on a quick run around, but I didn't linger anywhere long."

Betlind blinks at Tirost.

(Navesi fusses over the custodian with her gadget, peering at its details and quickly sketching in her volume.)

Ayrell says to Perune, "That is about my luck."

Zalinyar frets.

Athanasius asks, "Maybe it just want's to party? If the bards play to the lights flash in rythm?"

A deafening buzz echoes through the area and a blinding series of lights flash along the interior of the facility, red, green, red, yellow, repeating at half second intervals. After ten repetitions, the flashes cease, and you blink away disorienting afterglows. The buzz sounds again, and then quiets.

Dantia closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Siendra shivers.

You frown.

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Kethrai says, "Red greed red yellow..."

Karthor scratches his head.

Anuril asks, "Is that the unfriendly pattern?"

Kethrai asks, "Uh, that was the 'attack' sequence, wasn't it?"

Tirost asks Cryle, "Can you make anything of it?"

You say, "Red, green, red, yellow. That's the 'do not have permission' one."

Constantia frowns.

Perune says, "Have a feeling this rod won't help me."

Miskton says, "And the repetition does seem like a warning."

Tirost grins at Perune.

Lupdels frowns.

Cryle says to Tirost, "I can't see half the lights."

Tirost frowns.

Saragos says, "Red, green, red, yellow is the one they flashed during the visions while constructing."

Perune says, "Hey, Saragos."

Perune says, "Flash the Halt sequence again."

Kethrai says to Cryle, "Saragos used your longer pattern and it repeated it, several times... Then went back to red green red yellow, several times."

Saragos says, "It looks like perhaps there was communicating, and then it was overridden."

Perune says, "I want to see what happens if we, you know, make him mad."

Saragos nods to Perune.

Tirost smiles at Kethrai.

(Saragos gestures, and flashes a pattern of brightly colored lights on Aether spheres. The pattern is: red, blue, green, blue.)

You grumble at Perune.

Kintryn ponders.

Tirost says to Cryle, "What Kethrai said."

Cryle gives a slight nod.

A custodian breaks from the line and approaches the group, extending several electrical appendages in either curiosity or irritation. It gives a melodic "chirrup" that could be an inquiry or a command. It repeats the "chirrup", and then quickly withdraws its appendages, returns to the other custodians and resumes working.

Perune says, "Hey, give it a command."

Tirost glances at Saragos.

Betlind squints.

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Miskton says, "Well... That wasn't overtly hostile, at least."

Karthor acts puzzled.

Siendra nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Mazrian folds his arms across his chest.

Perune says, "Try Cryle's."

Mazrian nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost nods to Miskton.

Betlind softly says, "Yet."

Messica says, "And different from last time."

Siendra says, "They're...curious? Us, too, Custodians. Meet us in the middle."

Zalinyar says, "They are curious about us."

Dantia chuckles at Siendra.

Zalinyar nods to Siendra.

Tekhelet says, "It didn't blow up, so that's an improvement."

Dantia nods at Tekhelet, obviously agreeing with his views.

Cryle issues forth a curious chirruping meow.

(Saragos gestures, and flashes a pattern of brightly colored lights on Aether spheres. The pattern is: red, blue, green, blue. After that, he bows to the custodian, and motions for it to do the same.)

Madigan grins at Siendra.

Kethrai says, "That reminded me of a child being scolded by its parent."

Lupdels asks, "Has anyone tried repeating the chirrups back to them?"

Kethrai says, "It returned to the line very quickly."

You nod to Lupdels.

You say to Lupdels, "Yes, check the latest article. It resulted in a loud buzz halfway through the sequence. Ominous buzz, if I do say so."

Saragos nods to you.

Lupdels says to you, ""Hm, we need to speak custodian better then."

You nod at Lupdels, in complete agreement with his views.

Mazrian nods in agreement.

You say to Lupdels, "Perhaps you can help me learn the notes."

Tirost grins at Lupdels.

Tirost nods to Dantia.

Cryle casually observes the area.

Cryle asks, "Were the lights earlier coming from the custodians, or elsewhere?"

Saragos says, "Ok, in the absence of more responses, I think we should move on to Part 2 and try to see if we can safely draw power away from one of them."

Four custodians rush forward and link appendages. They rise on columns of writhing lightning, and four more custodians rush forward and slot underneath. They balance oddly a moment, then release, and quickly merge back with the other custodians and resume working.

Dantia smiles at Tirost.

Constantia blinks.

Saragos says, "Wait..."

Lupdels asks, "Dancing?"

Perune says, "Elsewhere, I think. The structure."

Maintain ponders.

Miskton blinks.

Kethrai blinks.

Siendra wrinkles her nose.

Saragos says, "Wow."

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Betlind cocks her head.

Anuril squints.

Karthor scratches his head.

Dantia asks, "Did they just... make a pyramid?"

Dantia chuckles.

Siendra says, "That was a little disconcerting."

Ayrell chuckles at Dantia.

Constantia ponders.

Athanasius says, "But kinda neat."

Ayrell says to Dantia, "It appeared so."

Xelten dryly says, "All right. Let us mirror them, then."

Dantia grins at Ayrell.

Miskton chuckles.

Perune grins at Xelten.

Athanasius jumps back from Xelten!

Miskton asks, "Who's lightest, to go on top?"

Perune says, "Only if you're the legs."

Cryle asks Perune, "Rather like a foreman chiding the workers for being distracted...?"

Ayrell begins chortling at Xelten.

Miskton grins.

Shaylynne begins chortling at Xelten.

Betlind points at Messica.

Anuril asks, "Was the pattern that caused that from the vision where the person went through the wall of electricity?"

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Messica says, "I'm the lightest."

Zalinyar says, "They made a two level pyramid, lets make a three level one."

Ayrell says, "I am not certain I am dressed appropriately to be at the top of that."

Betlind grins, revealing her dimples.

Zalinyar says, "Messica can be on top."

Tirost grins at Messica.

Dantia grins at Zalinyar.

Tekhelet asks, "Who's in charge here?"

(Messica climbs up on top of Betlind.)

Xelten says, "Ah, 'charge' he said."

Athanasius points at Saragos.

Siendra says, "The custodians are probably the most charged."

Perune says to Cryle, "Maybe. I was wondering if his initial sequence halted them or caused an.. interruption to their pattern, and then that was a sort of re-assertion sequence."

Betlind begins an eerie, warbling wail of despair.

Siendra winces.

Constantia chuckles at Betlind.

Lupdels twists his jade cereus blossom between his fingers.

Saragos says, "Fascinating."

You chuckle.

Perune says, "Which is why I wanted him to keep doing it."

You nod to Perune.

Cryle rubs her eyes.

Saragos nods to Perune.

Perune says, "If we halt enough of their work, Daervlan is kind of forced to see what's going on."

Perune chuckles.

Tirost says to Saragos, "They're certianly responding to the light patterns."

Siendra nods in agreement.

Dantia nods to Tirost.

Saragos says, "Right. These ones are working, as well. I think we'll need to take some time later and assess the shift in the long pattern."

(Kethrai goes over to one of the custodians and tries to replicate the 'chirrup' with a quick trill on his chalumeaux.)

Saragos says, "But I think it was re-assertion."

You ask Saragos, "Did you plan for the sequence from the vision with the figure sighing? I believe it was red, blue, green, red?"

Tirost nods to Saragos.

Saragos says, "That's the last part, but we can move that up. That's a good idea."

Saragos nods to you.

Tirost nods in agreement.

Perune nods.

Messica asks, "Are we not doing the stacking people thing?"

You chuckle at Messica.

Tekhelet laughs at Messica.

(Messica climbs down from Betlind.)

Shaylynne grins at Messica.

Saragos says, "Ok, I'll flash the colors from the vision and see what they do."

You say, "I suppose that's an idea."

Tirost laughs!

Betlind says, "You, er, can get down until we find ou--Thank you."

Perune asks Messica, "What position are you claiming?"

You say, "I have a Gnome-carrying basket somewhere..."

Betlind grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

(Athanasius moves over as if to pick up Messica)

Maintain says to Messica, "This one had, embarrassingly, assumed it was a cultural gesture."

Maintain bows to Messica.

Maintain says, "Apologies."

Siendra grins at Messica.

(Lupdels joins the group as they begin to assemble a pyramid type structure)

Tirost grins at Maintain.

Messica says, "Aping others seems like a decent method of communication."

(Navesi observes the pyramid, writing in her volume.)

Mazrian nods to Messica.

Betlind frowns, shaking her head with an expression of exasperation before resting her face in the palm of her hand.

Siendra says, "Mimicry is the best form of flattery."

You ask Saragos, "Any objections to us Bards putting out a few notes, when you're done?"

Tekhelet laughs!

Tirost chuckles at Betlind.

Mazrian says, "Even if you don't know that their actions have meaning."

Saragos says, "Of course."

Karthor says, "Well this's all terribly interestin' and confusin', but I should probly be off fer now. Good luck folks."

You say to Saragos, "First finish your light patterns."

You nod to Karthor.

Mazrian shakes Karthor's hand.

Karthor raises his hand in a quick salute.

Siendra says, "Unless they are being hostile, in which case we're just fighting fire with, er, well, electricity with electricity."

Ayrell smiles at Karthor.

Tirost smiles at Karthor.

Saragos says, "Ok, if any of them wander off in a way that we can follow after this, we should try."

Dantia smiles at Karthor.

Saragos inhales a great swallow of air.

Saragos slowly empties his lungs.

Tirost says to Karthor, "Take care, my friend."

(Saragos gestures, and flashes a pattern of brightly colored lights on Aether spheres. The pattern is: red, green, red, yellow. After making the pattern, he steps back warily, watching closely their response.)

Karthor waves.

Betlind bows to Karthor.

Anuril says, "It seems to me like the... eight custodians forming into columns was a reaction to the sequence Saragos showed."

Several custodians approach, flashing blue at three second intervals. They hover a moment, then return to the other custodians and resume working.

Tirost glances at Cryle.

Athanasius says, "There's an easy way to verify that theory."

Saragos says, "Very interesting."

Miskton ponders.

Perune says, "Huh."

Lupdels says, "Blue ..."

Messica says, "It's possible we input a valid command...."

Siendra cocks her head.

Betlind nods to Messica.

Perune asks, "Was that a.. command acceptance?"

Saragos says, "Maybe that was blue was a rejection of that color combination."

The custodians suddenly freeze and begin to flash blue. One shakes a bit, and the flashing color begins to shift in color, deepening to purple, then red, and suddenly, the singular custodian begins to move.

Saragos says, "Or that."

Perune says, "Maybe."

Betlind squints.

Eyst frowns.

The custodian approachs, flashing red at one second intervals, and extends several appendages rising higher. It tilts oddly, as if inspecting the area.

You say, "Uh oh."

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Siendra holds her breath.

Shaylynne blinks.

Kethrai casually observes the area.

The custodian begins to flash more rapidly, and approaches the Banner of Truce. It rises higher on its appendages, and extends several for the ghostly banner.

Tirost asks, "Are they untouched by the selreks?"

Constantia frowns.

Mazrian says, "Ah...we have a supervisor."

Xelten cracks his knuckles.

You say, "Blue to red is definitely aggression."

Miskton says, "Uh oh."

Kethrai says, "Uh..."

Ayrell says, "Red generally is not a good sign..."

The custodian flashes faster and faster, and slams two appendages into the bulk of the banner! The banner crackles with electricity and begins to fade!

Dantia says, "Oh, I think this is a clear indication."

Tirost says, "They're going to attack."

Maintain chuckles.

Constantia nods.

Betlind says, "Here we go..."

Lupdels says, "Not good."

Betlind sighs.

The custodian flares with red, green, red, yellow, and the banner explodes into a hazy corona of electricity! The custodian suddenly flashes blue, and returns to the rest of the custodians.

Betlind says, "Oh."

Mazrian says, "Be ready, everyone."

Tirost asks, "Are we fighting or leaving, Saragos?"

Maintain says, "It would appear to be hostile to the truce."

Mazrian says, "...we might just want to leave."

Madigan nods to Dantia.

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

With a loud snap, a lesser voltaic custodian leaps into being!

<nowiki>[[LOTS of fighting of custodians and selreks.]]</nowiki>

[Scador li Darva, Arc Furnace]<br>
Dozens of furnaces are arrayed here, thick, paired discs of silvery coated metal wrapped in copper and cambrinth wire and mounted a few yards apart. The storms contained within are deafening, fed with glowing cables from below, pouring blindingly white liquid into channels for transport deeper into the facility. The custodians maintain the forges, adjusting power levels and throughput via interactions that defy understanding. To the southwest, a steady clanging of metal striking metal can be heard.<br>
You also see a ghostly white banner, a lightning selrek that appears rather calm and a lightning selrek that appears rather calm.<br>
Also here: a calmed Kintryn, a calmed Tipsy Trailblazer Shaylynne who is encircled by ethereal phofe flowers, a calmed Elemental Aegis Tekhelet who has a stony visage, a calmed Shield Maiden Betlind, a calmed Shadow Mage Telamont, a calmed Carnage Darling Dantia, a calmed Sir Madigan, a calmed Frost Princess Nemy, a calmed Athanasius, a calmed Zalinyar, a calmed Tempest Knight Saragos who has a stony visage, a calmed Mazrian who has a stony visage, a calmed Esotericist Eyst, a calmed Depth Preserver Lupdels, a calmed Eyes of the Lion Exoduss, a calmed Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, a calmed Xelten, a calmed Storm Maiden Constantia who is surrounded by a shimmering shield and a calmed Cryle.<br>
Obvious exits: southwest, northwest, down.

Dantia smiles at Tirost.

You see a lightning selrek.<br>
The lightning selrek is in good shape.<br>
It is wearing nothing!

It is carrying a blazing whip of electric filaments.

''J> desc selrek''
The lightning selrek is a crackling mass of solidified power, bound in the shape of an androgynous, skeletally thin Elf. It has lurid carmine eyes and no other distinguishable features.

Lupdels joins Saragos's group.

Shaylynne joins Saragos's group.

Tirost says to Dantia, "Thanks, Goddess of Healing."

Nemy nods to Telamont.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding northwest along the ground like a stingray.

Dantia grins at Tirost.

Dantia nods to Madigan.

Madigan grins at Mazrian.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding down along the ground like a stingray.

Sliding along the ground like a stingray, a leaf of energy resolves into a lightning selrek.

Athanasius points at a lightning selrek.

Perune just arrived.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding southwest along the ground like a stingray.

Madigan says, "Banner is refreshed. I need to leave for a bit."

Athanasius asks, "So... what are you going to say to it?"

Madigan says, "Take care friends."

Dantia gently kisses Madigan on the cheek.

Betlind bows to Madigan.

Sliding along the ground like a stingray, a leaf of energy resolves into a lightning selrek.

Tirost bows to Madigan.

Zalinyar waves to Madigan.

Nemy curtsies to a lightning selrek.

(Saragos waves hello to the selrek, hoping to elicit a response.)

Perune says, "It.. pointed at me."

Cryle asks, "Bzzz, zzzp? Bzz bzz! Zzzp zzzz...zzhp-bzz?"

Constantia gazes at a lightning selrek.

Tekhelet asks, "Everyone is drug that needs it right?"

You say, "Let me try Aura of Tongues."

Zalinyar gasps!

Perune says to Saragos, "They're recongifured."

Sliding along the ground like a stingray, a leaf of energy resolves into a lightning selrek.

Saragos says to Perune, "If it pointed at you, go for it."

Miskton says, "Hard to read it, but it did seem a bit curious, rather than being frustrated by the banner."

Athanasius says, "I pointed at it. perhaps it was responding."

Athanasius bows to a lightning selrek.

Perune points at a lightning selrek.

Saragos points at a lightning selrek.

You say, "The Aura of Tongues is upon the area."

Tirost glances at Cryle.

Constantia gazes at a lightning selrek.

(Perune points at the forge.)

(Cryle nudges the sandwich towards the selrek.)

Dantia closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Tirost whispers something to Cryle.

Athanasius bows to a lightning selrek.

Cryle nods to Tirost.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding northwest along the ground like a stingray.

(Navesi whistles a few soft notes in the direction of the selrek.)

Tirost smiles.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding southwest along the ground like a stingray.

Athanasius ponders.

Dantia says, "I must be heading out as well. Please be aware that leaves you with one Empath, so I would be err on the side of caution."

Dantia smiles.

Dantia leans on Nemy.

You nod to Dantia.

Betlind bows to Dantia.

Perune asks, "Strange..does it want us to follow?"

Nemy closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

You say to Dantia, "Thank you for your service."

Dantia nods to you.

You peer northwest and see ...<br>
[Scador li Darva, Entrance]<br>
An expansive facility sprawls to the south, enormous workshops pumping and churning strangely glowing sheets of crackling energy into bizarre and unrecognizable constructions. Rows of towering shelves hold perfect geometric forms bound in glossy silvery fiber, and a veritable army of custodians move in carefully choreographed service to the enterprise. A circular entryway is the sole disruption to an otherwise perfectly featureless wall to the north.<br>
You also see a sleek bear that appears rather calm and a ghostly white banner.<br>
Obvious exits: southeast, southwest.

Nemy says to Dantia, "That leaves em no empath."

Dantia grins at Nemy.

Perune just arrived.

Athanasius says, "It seems reasonable... it did point first."

Nemy smiles at Dantia.

Perune points at a lightning selrek.

Lupdels gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Perune points at a metal maw.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding northwest along the ground like a stingray.

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding northwest along the ground like a stingray.

Maintain joins Saragos's group.

Perune just arrived.

Lupdels ponders.

Tirost glances at Saragos.

Tirost smiles slightly.

(Saragos approaches the selrek while holding a copper rod before him, offering it.)

The selreks look up and seem to scream in a furious crackle of reverberating lightning, and slams their thin hands together in an explosion of coursing light, blinding you momentarily! When your vision clears, the selreks are gone.

Saragos says, "Well, then."

Betlind squints.

Constantia blinks.

You blink.

Salvitoriel just arrived.

Tirost frowns.

Perune says, "Unhappy with our presence then."

You say, "So... not terribly peaceful."

Salvitoriel just arrived.

Betlind says, "I'm... not a fan."

Betlind shakes her head.

Saragos says, "Looks like we're probably done for now."

Perune says, "But at least I learned they're reconfigured."

Kintryn gazes at Salvitoriel.

Mazrian nods.

Lupdels says, "Don't need a translation to know that was a 'I said good day sir!'."

You say, "Reconfigured how? They looked the same to me."

Tirost says, "Or the rod infuriated them somehow."

Siendra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Shaylynne grins at Lupdels.

Saragos grins at Lupdels.

Perune says, "Reconfigured is a classification of Elemental."

Siendra says, "I suppose that sums up what I missed."

Saragos says to Tirost, "Or that."

Salvitoriel smiles at Kintryn.

Lupdels nods to Perune.

Salvitoriel joins Saragos's group.

Mazrian says, "They seemed miffed. Miffed is what they seemed."

Siendra joins Saragos's group.

Miskton asks, "They seemed a little peaceful at first, while the banner was up... maybe they actually don't like conductive metals?"

Tirost grins at Mazrian.

Lupdels recites:<br>
'' "Scholars of elemental life have been divided on the classification of the uncommon elementals known as selreks. Despite exhibiting certain traits associated with natural elementals, they bear the hallmark of reconfigured elementals: Selreks are invariably Elanthian in shape -- always humanoid -- irrespective of which Elemental Plane they hail from. Of interest to martial thinkers, even the lightning selreks are substantial, quasi-fleshy manifestations that may be dispatched without esoteric means."''

Sliding along the ground like a stingray, a leaf of energy resolves into a lightning selrek.

Athanasius just arrived.

Tirost nods to Lupdels.

Athanasius joins Saragos's group.

You say, "Oh, we already knew that."

A lightning selrek flattens into an undulating leaf of energy, sliding down along the ground like a stingray.

You flash a quick grin at Perune.

Cryle just arrived, leading her group.

Saragos says, "Ok, I'm going to escort everyone out."

Miskton joins Saragos's group.

Cryle joins Saragos's group.

Anuril joins Saragos's group.

Kethrai joins Saragos's group.

Perune says, "Some of the things people were saying made it clear they didn't know that."

Tekhelet joins Saragos's group.

Perune joins Saragos's group.

Saragos says, "Leaving in 10."

Saragos says to Lupdels, "Thanks for that."

Cryle asks, "Didn't know what?"

Tirost smiles at Constantia.

Constantia nods to Tirost.

Perune says, "That selreks are reconfigured. There was some theorizing that they might be a base form of elemental."

Perune says, "Now I know that's not true."

You nod to Perune.

Saragos says, "I'd like to thank everyone for coming out. We'll meet again soon to discuss what we've learned and plan next steps."

You say, "Join Saragos please."

You take your rightful place beside Saragos.

Betlind nods to Saragos.

Eyst nods.

Miskton nods politely to Saragos.

Cryle scratches one ear, looking bemused.

Saragos says, "Let's head on out - go through the orb, and I'll see you on the other side."

Kethrai nods to Anuril.

Tekhelet asks, "OK all clear except Tirost, who is good?"

Tekhelet says, "All the rooms are clear except for him>."

Zalinyar says, "Im going out."

Tekhelet says, "And there he is."

Tirost smiles.

Tirost says, "Nothing out of the ordinary besides a single selrek."

Tirost says, "See you on the other side."

You ask Exoduss, "Going?"

Exoduss nods.

[Zengmodaleth, Olkan Rae Audrus]<br>
The corridor abruptly ends, and you find yourself surrounded by an ephemeral bubble of blue energy, affording a view of an unfathomably vast metallic vertical structure composed of equal parts metal lattice, dodecahedrons crackling with electricity, and rippling spikes composed of pure energy. Occasional errant whips of electricity soar outward from the structure and rake along the surface of the bubble, filling the area with blinding white light and a piercing whine that descends in tone as the incredible energy is shunted elsewhere. Though only briefly visible as jagged arcs and lingering visual artifacts, the widening of the bolts as they cross from the column to your location suggests that the structure is unfathomably distant. The bubble ripples and flexes with each strike, and you realize that the bolts are incredibly large. In the distance, beyond the structure, there is simply emptiness.<br>
Also here: Brother Maintain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Storm Maiden Constantia who is surrounded by a shimmering shield, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a stony visage, Cryle, Apprentice Warrior Mage Anuril who has a fiery visage, Nepenthe Kethrai, Depth Preserver Lupdels and Perune.<br>
Obvious exits: south.

Anuril glances at Cryle.

Tirost says to Saragos, "I'd never seen the selrek's act that way before."

Kethrai says to Cryle, "So that... structure there, seems to be producing the electricity this structure is harnessing."

Saragos says, "Me neither."

You gaze off into the distance blankly.

Maintain gazes at the structure for a moment.

Saragos says to Kethrai, "Or collecting it."

You softly ask Anuril, "Fascinating and terrifying, no?"

Cryle asks Tirost, "Hopw were they acting?"

You take off a pair of copper-riveted leather goggles.

Anuril nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Tirost says to Saragos, "Your research and Cryle's paid off. The custodians reacted more than they ever have."

Tirost smiles.

Kethrai says to Saragos, "I don't think so? It seems like it's being collected here, and then channeled through those... pipes. Maybe down to the factory."

You nod to Tirost.

You ask, "The reason I asked Uryutis what I did is because... that is a lot of energy. What if it is being used to DO something? Like support our plane somehow?"

Tirost says to Maintain, "Thanks again for beseeching the gods to aid our fallen friends."

Perune says, "I think it helps hold back the Void from this place."

Kethrai nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

You nod to Perune.

Anuril says to you, "If it's doing anything I feel like it's being done here. Either creating a habitable space for us, or holding back the Void, or powering the factory."

Maintain smiles at Tirost.

Anuril says, "Or all of that."

Constantia nods to Anuril.

You ask, "Why put so much energy just to make this space, though?"

Tirost nods to Anuril.

Anuril grins at Perune.

Maintain says to Tirost, "It is this monk's honor to intercede for the Temple's benefactors."

Lupdels ponders.

Tirost smiles at Maintain.

You say, "It's awfully expensive just for a research haven."

Tirost says to you, "It must be valuable because of the energy..."

Kethrai says to Cryle, "If you focus on the structure I don't suppose you sense anything...? It's... dangerous for an elementalist to do, though."

Lupdels asks, "A dam can be built to hold back water. A lake will form behind it as the river is blocked. Perhaps this water is diverted for some other purpose, a water mill. The people who built the dam and the water mill are forgotten and lost to time. But the dam still exists. Until ... the lake is too large, and the dam begins to crack?"

You exclaim, "But if it's all used just to make breathable space, what is it good for!"

You grin at Tirost.

You nod to Lupdels.

Perune says, "Allegedly the goals of each Lord here have been different across time, I can't say what the goals of the original builders were."

Maintain says, "The structure contains hints of Firulf's power. It's frustrating to focus on, honestly. This monk's research feels lackluster by comparison."

Anuril gives Maintain a slight nod.

You nod in agreement.

Perune says to Saragos, "So, when we perceive the structure, we can trace the energy to a point, at which point it seems like he.. reaches out, and fries our senses."

Tirost asks you, "This entire structure is for making something - the looms, the structures that transport raw lighting... but what? And what is it being used for now?"

Perune says, "As I was saying before everyone arrived, if he didn't, we could probably find what he's working on."

You nod at Tirost, in complete agreement with his views.

You say, "Making something that isn't happening quite right any more."

Cryle says, "To create for creation's sake is not a purposeless thing..."

Tirost nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Perune says, "I'm wondering if instead of directly tracking the energy, we can find a way to track the custodians."

Anuril nods to Cryle.

You nod to Perune.

You say, "We did consider using a Ranger to capture one and tag it somehow."

Saragos says to Perune, "I like that."

Tirost nods to Perune.

You say, "Unfortunately it didn't quite pan out in the moment that we went to try it."

Kethrai asks Cryle, "You mentioned a capture jar of some kind?"

Cryle says, "I have read about such things."

You say, "Perhaps with more preparation."

Perune says, "I would say Uryutis may not like it.. but I think at this point he may not care."

Tirost nods to you.

You say, "He seems as frustrated as we are."

Perune says, "I honestly thought before that Daervlan was testing us because he wanted apprentices or other helpers."

Perune says, "Maybe the test is over."

You say, "I don't think that's the reason he was testing us."

You say, "And I think the test is ongoing."

Saragos nods to Perune.

Saragos says, "Maybe he was testing us to see if we could solve a small problem, but now the problem's gotten out of hand."

Perune asks, "Why else would you test someone based on their ingenuity?"

You say, "Of course, the Lord of the Void always takes an apprentice. I can feel it written through the history of this place. But I don't think that's it."

Tirost leans on Constantia.

Constantia blinks.

You say, "I think he wants to tell us something important, and he wants to know if he can trust us."

Tirost nods to you.

Perune says, "That sounds like the same result."

Anuril says, "Sometimes teachers will give a student a problem they themselves cannot solve, in the guise of a test."

You nod to Anuril.

Constantia coughs.

You say, "Or that. He might be stumped himself."

You say, "The visions seem to imply it."

Tirost says, "Or he is preoccupied with something else, and needs our assistance."

Anuril nods to Tirost.

Cryle says, "I would have liked to see the start of this. The first person to step into it, to begin to build..."

Tirost says to Cryle, "Gods, me too."

Kethrai casually observes the area.

Perune chuckles.

Tirost squints at Perune.

Cryle dreamily says, "I would like to be such a person."

Kethrai says, "It must have been thousands of years ago. Tens of thousands."

Saragos says to Perune, "I've found that in some projects, well-meaning helpers just aren't enough. It's more work to coach them and do the work than if you had no helpers at all. Maybe he wants to see if we're worth that time investment."

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Tirost nods to Saragos.

Saragos grins at Cryle.

Kethrai says to Cryle, "If you're interested, the... Strange lettering on the pipes is near here."

Cryle angles her ears forward in curiosity.

Constantia glances at a structure.

Saragos says to Kethrai, "I believes Bards could sense that this place was ancient, but not older than songs."

Tirost says to Kethrai, "I could only make sense of some of the numbers."

You focus on your surroundings, seeking any impressions of the past.<br>
You close your eyes, opening up your senses to what can be perceived in this room...<br>
Your senses are flooded with the weight of the history of this place, the strange magics and lofty sentiments. A seemingly endless chain of master and apprentice stretch before you, forging unfathomable creations on stations barely recognizeable as anvils, lathes and looms. They bind runes to nothingness, design the parameters of these cosmos, and delight in the process of maintaining this place with a joy only known to craftsmen.

After a moment, your probing reaches further, beyond the first that discovered this place, and your mind reels with the alienness of what was here before.<br>
With a start, you find yourself drawn back to the reality of the here and now.<br>
Roundtime: 2 sec.

Perune says to Saragos, "Right, but my point was he was testing for apprentices or helpers."

Kethrai nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

You nod to Saragos.

Saragos gazes at the structure for a moment.

Perune says, "Which seems to be what everyone is basically agreeing with."

Anuril quietly says, "This has been most exhilarating but I must be going."

Tirost mumbles something unprintable.

You say, "All right, helpers, yes. Apprentice, maybe not."

Tirost says, "I should get to Haven."

Kethrai says to Tirost, "And yet. Some of them are Gamgweth letters and numerals."

You nod to Anuril.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Tirost says, "Take care."

Tirost bows.

Kethrai says, "Which suggests that whoever put them together comes from the Plane of Abiding."

Kethrai leans on Anuril.

You ask Kethrai, "Show us these strange letters?"

Kethrai says to Anuril, "Be safe, arn maite."

Perune says, "Anyway, tracking the custodians."

Anuril raises two fingers to his brow in a quick hand salute.

Cryle nods to Anuril.

Kethrai asks you, "Do you want to go see them now?"

You nod.

You join Kethrai's group.

Kethrai says, "Anyone else? It'll be anticlimactic I'm afraid."

Constantia ponders.

Saragos says, "I'll let Navesi show me in just a bit."

Saragos grins at Kethrai.

Anuril smiles at Kethrai.

Anuril bows.

Constantia says, "If you will all excuse me..."

Saragos says to Perune, "Tracking them sounds like a good idea."

Kethrai nods to Constantia.

Kethrai shrugs.

Kethrai says, "Q5B4... something something."

You blink at Cryle.

Kethrai blinks at Cryle.

Cryle scratches one ear, looking bemused.

You ask, "How did you do that?"

Cryle says, "...I'm not sure."

Kethrai says, "There are lots of strange things here. The pylons around that sphere can be rotated... Not sure that it does anything."

Kethrai asks you, "Don't suppose you can get any history off of it?"

You search your mind but nothing seems notable about the some access boxes.

You shake your head.

Lupdels gazes about, drinking in his surroundings.

Lupdels says, "I am traveling on, enough contribution for now to the end of the world."

You frown.

You say, "If it really concerns you, we should talk about that more."

You say, "Not now, since you have to go."

Lupdels grins.

Lupdels says, "All of what we do seems to contribute to the end of the world, I have accepted that."

Cryle says, "Ten letters."

Kethrai says to Lupdels, "Be safe. Don't die before the end of the world."

Lupdels says, "Until next time."

Lupdels grins at Kethrai.

Lupdels exclaims, "I wouldn't miss it for anything!"

Kethrai nods to Cryle.

Kethrai says, "I wish I could find more examples elsewhere."

Kethrai says, "But I only found this one."

Kethrai says, "And there's a sign by the T-junction that's all in symbols I don't recognize..."

You nod.

You ask, "Shall we look?"

You say, "I wonder now if they correspond to notes or flashes..."

Cryle nods.

You follow Kethrai west.

[Zengmodaleth, T-Junction]<br>
The piping appears to abruptly bend here, running south and east.  A plaque made of polished oravir features a series of elemental symbols and a broad arrow pointing to the west, where the corridor appears to fade into a bright blue glow, the scent of oil thick in the air.  At semi-regular intervals, a loud metallic groan echoes through the area, trailing off to a series of rapid pops and clicks.  
Also here: Cryle and Nepenthe Kethrai.<br>
Obvious exits: east, south, west.<br>

(Kethrai taps the oravir plaque.)

(Navesi gazes at the plaque.)

Kethrai says, "It's pointing in the direction of the portal, which leads to the sphere, and to the factory."

Kethrai says, "So it might mean... any of those things."

You nod.

Kethrai says, "Or more."

You say, "I bet it says 'factory' or some such."

You ponder.

Kethrai says, "The other interesting thing to note... The pipes holding the electricity, they go back toward the exit portal and toward the junction box we just passed by."

Kethrai says, "But not toward the factory portal."

Cryle asks, "Is the factory visible from anywhere here?"

Kethrai says, "I don't think so. No idea where it is, relative to where we are right now."

<nowiki>[[The group broke up at about this point to do other things.]]</nowiki>
}}