User:Reene/WWZ - Revision history

Maintenance script at 01:20, 29 April 2009

2009-04-29T01:20:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:20, 28 April 2009
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			:''OOC NOTE: For all reasonable intents and purposes, any character may consider this in-game, in-character knowledge as originally distributed to members of the Coalition and other interested parties by Caelumia herself, and likely copied and passed around second-hand after that.''

	[''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment.'']		[''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment.'']

Maintenance script: /* Lieutenants */

2009-04-28T02:02:23Z

Lieutenants

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 27 April 2009
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	*Klusarlaik		*Klusarlaik
	**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.		**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.
	**<>Rumors that this is actually Sharlir. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.</s> Not Sharlir, according to statements made by her during a lucid moment.		**<s>Rumors that this is actually Sharlir. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.</s> Not Sharlir, according to statements made by her during a lucid moment.
	**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.		**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.

Maintenance script: /* Lieutenants */

2009-04-28T02:01:42Z

Lieutenants

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 27 April 2009
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	=== Lieutenants ===		=== Lieutenants ===

	These all share the common trait of being undead Necromancers, as well as (presumably) the same spell pool. Of the three, Gurglesnout seems to be the least threatening while Klusarlaik is easily the most, with Tachid somewhere in between. Tachid referred to himself as "Risen," presumably by Lyras, and based on commentary by the other two I assume they are also creations of hers versus self-styled undead like Lyras herself.		These all share the common trait of being undead Necromancers, as well as (presumably) the same spell pool. Of the three, Gurglesnout seems to be the least threatening while Klusarlaik is easily the most, with Tachid somewhere in between. Tachid referred to himself as "Risen," presumably by Lyras, and based on commentary by the other two I assume they are also creations of hers versus self-styled undead like Lyras herself. Curiously, when "dead," they seem to regain something of lucidity. Does this mean that Lyras clouds their thoughts? Is it simply the nature of their creation, or something else? Klusarlaik in particular begs for the mercy of oblivion. I am almost moved to pity.

	'''Do not approach these creatures alone. Singular acts of aggression are more likely to be fatally stupid than they are heroic.''' All of them seem to be able to call undead troops to their locations and show amazing levels of endurance and the ability to regenerate wounds at an alarming rate, as well as the ability to instantly snap out of any kind of stun, immobilization, unconsciousness, or other disability. The cooperation of a middling to large group of people focusing as many damaging attacks on the Necromancer, ''preferably on a single body part such as the chest,'' is the most successful way of dealing with one of them in combat. Fire also helps, though it pisses Tachid off something mighty if you mention it.		'''Do not approach these creatures alone. Singular acts of aggression are more likely to be fatally stupid than they are heroic.''' All of them seem to be able to call undead troops to their locations and show amazing levels of endurance and the ability to regenerate wounds at an alarming rate, as well as the ability to instantly snap out of any kind of stun, immobilization, unconsciousness, or other disability. The cooperation of a middling to large group of people focusing as many damaging attacks on the Necromancer, ''preferably on a single body part such as the chest,'' is the most successful way of dealing with one of them in combat. Fire also helps, though it pisses Tachid off something mighty if you mention it.
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	*Klusarlaik		*Klusarlaik
	**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.		**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.
	**Rumors that this is actually Sharlir. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.		**<>Rumors that this is actually Sharlir. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.</s> Not Sharlir, according to statements made by her during a lucid moment.
	**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.		**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.

Maintenance script: /* Miscellaneous Notes */

2009-04-27T18:37:34Z

Miscellaneous Notes

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	*Unctuous Rakash/Prydaen zombie		*Unctuous Rakash/Prydaen zombie
			**Comparable to celpeze or raiders.
	**Unsure on skill levels, partially due to...
	**Powerful magic resistance, like a bloody Barbarian. Figures.		**Powerful magic resistance, like a bloody Barbarian. Figures.
			**Areas sighted: Gate of Therenborough, Therengia.

	*Arisen Rakash ranger		*Arisen Rakash ranger
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	*Amalgamated fleshreaper		*Amalgamated fleshreaper
	**Comparable to mature gryphons.		**Comparable to mature gryphons or plague wraiths (nasty magic resistance).
	**Massive! Large enough to stomp and create tremors to knock people in the area down. Sure Footing helps negate this effect. Bloody Warrior Mages.		**Massive! Large enough to stomp and create tremors to knock people in the area down. Sure Footing helps negate this effect. Bloody Warrior Mages.
	**Weak-minded, extremely susceptible to psychic attacks. Didn't stay down very long though.		**Weak-minded and slow, extremely susceptible to psychic attacks or anything that requires it to move quickly. Didn't stay down very long though.
	**Areas sighted: Out the West Gate of Shard in Ilithi.		**Areas sighted: Out the West Gate of Shard in Ilithi.

Maintenance script at 01:47, 26 April 2009

2009-04-26T01:47:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 25 April 2009
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	''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment~~. Attached to the document is a sheaf of disorganized notes written in much sloppier handwriting~~.''		[''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment.'']

	=Necromancy and the Undead: A Treatise=		=Necromancy and the Undead: A Treatise=
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	Academian, researcher and professor of the Moon Mage Guild and the Province of Zoluren		Academian, researcher and professor of the Moon Mage Guild and the Province of Zoluren

			[''Attached to the document is a sheaf of disorganized notes written in much sloppier handwriting.'']

	== Miscellaneous Notes ==		== Miscellaneous Notes ==

	~~This list is incomplete~~ and likely inaccurate in places, but it is a reasonable start.		Incomplete and likely inaccurate in places, but it is a reasonable start. If you want something done...

	*Brittle skeletal peons		*Brittle skeletal peons
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	*Klusarlaik		*Klusarlaik
	**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.		**Rakash. Horrendous condition, looks like she was really torn up before she was raised. Half her face and throat is missing.
	**Rumors that this is actually [[Sharlir]]. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.		**Rumors that this is actually Sharlir. No clue there, but Klusarlaik definitely wasn't her original name - it means Dead in Rakash. She doesn't respond to Sharlir in the positive or negative.
	**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.		**Seems to prefer using her bare hands. Only picks up a weapon when she needs to. Extremely bloodthirsty; even kills her own troops.

Maintenance script at 01:41, 26 April 2009

2009-04-26T01:41:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 25 April 2009
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	Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.		Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.

	Oddly, and despite her incredible brilliance, Lady P presented a consistent attitude of obliviousness to her state. How she became undead was a topic of much contention, and since she would not talk about it and there was never any evidence to suggest she ~~_actively_~~ practiced necromancy, the subject was not pursued by most. Despite the designation by researchers as a lich she lived in relative peace until her final death at the start of the Mirror Wraith Prophecy. But despite this designation, Lady P herself never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly powerful ones, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures). Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully, with a nasty tendency to get back up; nevermind killing a lich. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up.		Oddly, and despite her incredible brilliance, Lady P presented a consistent attitude of obliviousness to her state. How she became undead was a topic of much contention, and since she would not talk about it and there was never any evidence to suggest she ''actively'' practiced necromancy, the subject was not pursued by most. Despite the designation by researchers as a lich she lived in relative peace until her final death at the start of the Mirror Wraith Prophecy. But despite this designation, Lady P herself never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly powerful ones, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures). Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully, with a nasty tendency to get back up; nevermind killing a lich. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up.

	Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been ~~_created_~~ by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and free will intact; this is in stark contrast to the common vision of undead as never more than mindless, enthralled monsters. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but if one Necromancer could do it, we cannot assume that it is an isolated act. Thousands of shambling undead monsters is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot and ~~_feel_~~ is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, ostensibly dubbed her lieutenants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.		Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been ''created'' by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and free will intact; this is in stark contrast to the common vision of undead as never more than mindless, enthralled monsters. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but if one Necromancer could do it, we cannot assume that it is an isolated act. Thousands of shambling undead monsters is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot and ''feel'' is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, ostensibly dubbed her lieutenants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.

	== On Lyras ==		== On Lyras ==
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	Curiously, Lyras seems to have mages of all types in her employ, not only Necromancers. Elemental and Lunar mages showing clear and obvious signs of having been formally trained in the east have been glimpsed in her retinue; Moongates for example, a spell westerners would not possess, have been observed receiving heavy use, presumably to help both bridge the massive distance between the east and west and position troops. Indeed, the relatively primitive technology and magical prowess recorded from the west combined with the lack of large, organized population centers suggests that Lyras likely originally chose the west as her initial staging ground in order to build a very large army composed of relatively intelligent, sentient undead with as little resistance as possible. As she possesses formally trained mages all the same despite the lack of the Prydaen and Rakash, it can be inferred that she either took these mages with her or created them at a later date from some of the sparser yet still eastern-educated groups found far to the west; most likely, both are true.		Curiously, Lyras seems to have mages of all types in her employ, not only Necromancers. Elemental and Lunar mages showing clear and obvious signs of having been formally trained in the east have been glimpsed in her retinue; Moongates for example, a spell westerners would not possess, have been observed receiving heavy use, presumably to help both bridge the massive distance between the east and west and position troops. Indeed, the relatively primitive technology and magical prowess recorded from the west combined with the lack of large, organized population centers suggests that Lyras likely originally chose the west as her initial staging ground in order to build a very large army composed of relatively intelligent, sentient undead with as little resistance as possible. As she possesses formally trained mages all the same despite the lack of the Prydaen and Rakash, it can be inferred that she either took these mages with her or created them at a later date from some of the sparser yet still eastern-educated groups found far to the west; most likely, both are true.

	I shall not rehash and restate details regarding the composition, size and movements of her army here, as it has been tracked, observed, recorded and accidentally leaked most admirably by researchers in the Moon Mage guild. Within these documents however, researchers touched on the apparent difficulties involved in attempting to use any kind of clairvoyant magic or foresight against Lyras, and the inaccuracy inherent in using spells like Locate to attempt to triangulate her position. While they hypothesized that this was solely due to some mysterious influence from the Barrier, I believe this is only half the story. The Barrier may very likely throw up some interference to scrying attempts, but formal researchers have thus far failed to publicly take into account Lyras ~~_herself_~~ - that is to say, the possibility that there is something Lyras is doing, or something being done to her, that is occluding her from our senses. We have discovered for certain that spells relying on a connection to the Plane of Probability, such as Seer's Sense, experience violent backlashes when mages attempt to use them on Lyras or one of her Necromancer minions. This was an ominous confirmation of some suspicions for some, and a premonition for others.		I shall not rehash and restate details regarding the composition, size and movements of her army here, as it has been tracked, observed, recorded and accidentally leaked most admirably by researchers in the Moon Mage guild. Within these documents however, researchers touched on the apparent difficulties involved in attempting to use any kind of clairvoyant magic or foresight against Lyras, and the inaccuracy inherent in using spells like Locate to attempt to triangulate her position. While they hypothesized that this was solely due to some mysterious influence from the Barrier, I believe this is only half the story. The Barrier may very likely throw up some interference to scrying attempts, but formal researchers have thus far failed to publicly take into account Lyras ''herself'' - that is to say, the possibility that there is something Lyras is doing, or something being done to her, that is occluding her from our senses. We have discovered for certain that spells relying on a connection to the Plane of Probability, such as Seer's Sense, experience violent backlashes when mages attempt to use them on Lyras or one of her Necromancer minions. This was an ominous confirmation of some suspicions for some, and a premonition for others.

	Far-flung Seers for the past year have experienced visions of a great darkness with an aching hunger and a malevolent will with the power to consume an entire world; an entity whose machinations crush the very essence of Fate itself, killing symbols, destroying the forces of nature and devouring anything and everything, even the Immortals themselves. These visions have been both highly emotionally and physically traumatic to that have experienced them, inflicting everything from simple brain hemorrhage to coma to death on those that have been unfortunate enough to experience them. While Clerics and Moon Mages do not as a rule have very much common ground, those that have experienced these visions, witnessed Lyras herself and attempted to read her supernaturally have come to an uncommon accord: The seed of the proverbial End itself is tied intrinsically to Lyras's fate. Her destiny is clear and astonishingly obvious with any that have the eyes to See it, and while the entity responsible is not directly observable, its influence is painfully obvious.		Far-flung Seers for the past year have experienced visions of a great darkness with an aching hunger and a malevolent will with the power to consume an entire world; an entity whose machinations crush the very essence of Fate itself, killing symbols, destroying the forces of nature and devouring anything and everything, even the Immortals themselves. These visions have been both highly emotionally and physically traumatic to that have experienced them, inflicting everything from simple brain hemorrhage to coma to death on those that have been unfortunate enough to experience them. While Clerics and Moon Mages do not as a rule have very much common ground, those that have experienced these visions, witnessed Lyras herself and attempted to read her supernaturally have come to an uncommon accord: The seed of the proverbial End itself is tied intrinsically to Lyras's fate. Her destiny is clear and astonishingly obvious with any that have the eyes to See it, and while the entity responsible is not directly observable, its influence is painfully obvious.

	It has thus far been the opinion of Tallis and many other less creative minds that Maelshyve, the demon and immortal demi-goddess, is the principle root and cause of this evil and that Lyras herself draws her power from Maelshyve somehow. I respectfully disagree with this assessment, and urge our leaders both public and private to see the true nature of this threat and take steps to deal with it. It is here however, unfortunately, that I run out of ideas. How does one stop the very essence of hunger itself that threatens to extinguish even the very ~~_idea_~~ of life? At the very least, this may help us understand our enemy better, and every shred of understanding gets us one step closer to potentially averting the tide of destruction that is ready to wash over us; at the very least perhaps by destroying the earthly shell that Lyras's cunning malice still occupies. Of course, liches are known to be notoriously difficult to truly kill, even when the Necromancer does not possess the skill and power that Lyras does. We will need to come together in the times to come if we stand even the remotest chance of figuring out a way to stop the threat of Lyras and her armies and destroy the lich Lyras has become.		It has thus far been the opinion of Tallis and many other less creative minds that Maelshyve, the demon and immortal demi-goddess, is the principle root and cause of this evil and that Lyras herself draws her power from Maelshyve somehow. I respectfully disagree with this assessment, and urge our leaders both public and private to see the true nature of this threat and take steps to deal with it. It is here however, unfortunately, that I run out of ideas. How does one stop the very essence of hunger itself that threatens to extinguish even the very ''idea'' of life? At the very least, this may help us understand our enemy better, and every shred of understanding gets us one step closer to potentially averting the tide of destruction that is ready to wash over us; at the very least perhaps by destroying the earthly shell that Lyras's cunning malice still occupies. Of course, liches are known to be notoriously difficult to truly kill, even when the Necromancer does not possess the skill and power that Lyras does. We will need to come together in the times to come if we stand even the remotest chance of figuring out a way to stop the threat of Lyras and her armies and destroy the lich Lyras has become.

	Perhaps a volcano would work.		Perhaps a volcano would work.
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	*Cadaverous hulk		*Cadaverous hulk
	**People I queried about this thing (sighted ~~once~~) mumbled 'Jhime' under their breath and wouldn't say much else. 'Nuff said.		**People I queried about this thing (sighted only rarely) mumbled 'Jhime' under their breath and wouldn't say much else. 'Nuff said.
	**Areas sighted: Near the ferry to Ain Ghazal in Forfehdhar, Ilithi.		**Areas sighted: Near the ferry to Ain Ghazal in Forfehdhar, Ilithi.

Maintenance script at 01:32, 26 April 2009

2009-04-26T01:32:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 25 April 2009
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	''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment. Attached to the document is a sheaf of disorganized notes written in much sloppier handwriting.''		''The multi-page document has been scrupulously copied by an apparently meticulous scribe on crisp off-white parchment. Attached to the document is a sheaf of disorganized notes written in much sloppier handwriting.''

	~~'''~~Necromancy and the Undead: A Treatise~~'''~~		=Necromancy and the Undead: A Treatise=

	Necromancy has a long history in and around Kermoria. Stories of its use stretch back to before written history and extend right into modern times, from the aptly named Fallen Prince to the likes of Velmix or Veyne. However, for obvious reasons, actual facts about the practice are scarce; after all, anybody that demonstrates more than the most vague and rudimentary notions of how one might create an undead creature or conjure flesh-eating necromantic acid tends to get strung up and burned alive for their trouble. This is the best course of dealing with their kind, but does leave us lacking when we are faced with "people" capable of doing just that, as the study of actual necromancy from even a scholarly point of view is nonetheless unacceptable. Still, despite these limitations, researchers have accumulated years of distant observations and put together portions of history to make some kind of sense of necromancy and its practitioners. What follows is a summary of some of that research as it may relate to the coming conflict, as well as a few of my own theories based on personal observation and study.		Necromancy has a long history in and around Kermoria. Stories of its use stretch back to before written history and extend right into modern times, from the aptly named Fallen Prince to the likes of Velmix or Veyne. However, for obvious reasons, actual facts about the practice are scarce; after all, anybody that demonstrates more than the most vague and rudimentary notions of how one might create an undead creature or conjure flesh-eating necromantic acid tends to get strung up and burned alive for their trouble. This is the best course of dealing with their kind, but does leave us lacking when we are faced with "people" capable of doing just that, as the study of actual necromancy from even a scholarly point of view is nonetheless unacceptable. Still, despite these limitations, researchers have accumulated years of distant observations and put together portions of history to make some kind of sense of necromancy and its practitioners. What follows is a summary of some of that research as it may relate to the coming conflict, as well as a few of my own theories based on personal observation and study.
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	Noncorporeal undead being controlled by Necromancers are rare in comparison but have been observed on a few occasions, and are typically possessing of much more startling abilities. The reason for their rarity is unknown; they may simply be so difficult to conjure and control that most Necromancers don't bother, they may require some extra component or ritual from the Necromancer, or there may be some other reason, as with spiritual necromancy in general, that most Necromancers do not dabble. No matter what the cause, we can be thankful that we rarely see Necromancers wielding them.		Noncorporeal undead being controlled by Necromancers are rare in comparison but have been observed on a few occasions, and are typically possessing of much more startling abilities. The reason for their rarity is unknown; they may simply be so difficult to conjure and control that most Necromancers don't bother, they may require some extra component or ritual from the Necromancer, or there may be some other reason, as with spiritual necromancy in general, that most Necromancers do not dabble. No matter what the cause, we can be thankful that we rarely see Necromancers wielding them.

			Liches are a special subset of undead, and understood to be Necromancers that have descended into the embrace of undeath to achieve formidable strength and a certain level of indestructibility and lasting power you might typically find in your average mountain. Details of this transformation are obviously not known, though it seems to come with unsurpassed power over their corporeal form, and whatever is left of the Necromancer's soul departs from the body, leaving their mind, memories and personality behind in a fleshy shell. Short of utter, complete destruction, liches cannot be destroyed through traditional means, however fond people are of speaking about fire and explosions as permanent solutions; assume that anything a modern-day adventurer could survive, a lich could easily recorporeate from. After all, if mere total incineration were enough to take someone permanently out of commission, we would not have very many Moon Mages.

	Against all kinds of undead, Holy magic is the most effective tool of destruction. Non-Holy magic is impeded and weakened when used on corporeal undead and will fizzle without adding additional added power to the spell pattern, but most types may still be used to decent effect. Non-Holy magic won't work at all against noncorporeal undead, leaving one with the sole option of wielding a blessed weapon against them and hoping for the best. Bless is an absolutely vital addition to the arsenal of one wishing to go toe-to-toe with any undead creature, corporeal or non, and indeed a weapon that has not been Blessed will simply pass right through a noncorporeal creature.		Against all kinds of undead, Holy magic is the most effective tool of destruction. Non-Holy magic is impeded and weakened when used on corporeal undead and will fizzle without adding additional added power to the spell pattern, but most types may still be used to decent effect. Non-Holy magic won't work at all against noncorporeal undead, leaving one with the sole option of wielding a blessed weapon against them and hoping for the best. Bless is an absolutely vital addition to the arsenal of one wishing to go toe-to-toe with any undead creature, corporeal or non, and indeed a weapon that has not been Blessed will simply pass right through a noncorporeal creature.
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	Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.		Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.

	Oddly, and despite her incredible brilliance, Lady P presented a consistent attitude of obliviousness to her state. How she became undead was a topic of much contention, and since she would not talk about it and there was never any evidence to suggest she _actively_ practiced necromancy, the subject was not pursued by most. Despite the designation by researchers as a lich ~~(that is, a self-made undead creature of great power, and implicitly a Necromancer)~~ she lived in relative peace until her final death at the start of the Mirror Wraith Prophecy. But despite this designation, Lady P herself never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly powerful ones, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures). Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully~~; when brought down~~, ~~they have~~ a nasty tendency to get back up, ~~and the skill it would presumably require to make yourself~~ ~~into~~ a lich ~~would almost assuredly come with some level of indestructibility~~. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up.		Oddly, and despite her incredible brilliance, Lady P presented a consistent attitude of obliviousness to her state. How she became undead was a topic of much contention, and since she would not talk about it and there was never any evidence to suggest she _actively_ practiced necromancy, the subject was not pursued by most. Despite the designation by researchers as a lich she lived in relative peace until her final death at the start of the Mirror Wraith Prophecy. But despite this designation, Lady P herself never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly powerful ones, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures). Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully, with a nasty tendency to get back up; nevermind killing a lich. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up.

	Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been _created_ by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and free will intact; this is in stark contrast to the common vision of undead as never more than mindless, enthralled monsters. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but if one Necromancer could do it, we cannot assume that it is an isolated act. Thousands of shambling undead monsters is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot and _feel_ is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, ostensibly dubbed her lieutenants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.		Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been _created_ by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and free will intact; this is in stark contrast to the common vision of undead as never more than mindless, enthralled monsters. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but if one Necromancer could do it, we cannot assume that it is an isolated act. Thousands of shambling undead monsters is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot and _feel_ is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, ostensibly dubbed her lieutenants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.
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	== On Lyras ==		== On Lyras ==

	Lyras, alternatively known by ~~aliases~~ such as the Chaser of Cats and Dogs or (more recently) the Devourer, seems to break many of the rules we've come to identify. She wields powers of spiritual and corporeal necromancy the likes of which have never been seen before, and her army is vast and apparently under her near-total thrall. Little is known of the mortal Lyras was before her conquest and undeath, much less how she acquired her powers or why. What is known is that she was once a Warrior Mage and wielded Elemental magic before her descent into necromancy and undeath, and that she managed to acquire enough power to travel far to the west and begin her now-infamous subjugation of two entire species.		Lyras, alternatively known by epithets such as the Chaser of Cats and Dogs or (more recently) the Devourer, seems to break many of the rules we've come to identify. She wields powers of spiritual and corporeal necromancy the likes of which have never been seen before, and her army is vast and apparently under her near-total thrall. Little is known of the mortal Lyras was before her conquest and undeath, much less how she acquired her powers or why. What is known is that she was once a Warrior Mage and wielded Elemental magic before her descent into necromancy and undeath, and that she managed to acquire enough power to travel far to the west and begin her now-infamous subjugation of two entire species. While the combined forces of the Prydaen and Rakash as well as a few eastern-trained mages managed to ambush her, she rose again as the archetypal lich and forced the living remnant of the civilizations of the west out of their homeland. Though she did give chase, the Prydaen and Rakash did something she did not expect: forming a chain of people a mile wide, they collectively tapped into a huge reserve of every mana type in the spectrum, giving rise to a massive Barrier which was "part magic, part god-wish" that encircled their old homelands and prevented anyone or anything from getting in or out. Several died in the attempt, from both opportunistic attacks by the undead and sheer exhaustion, but the Barrier they created held for some six decades, reinforced and intrinsically tied to the souls of the Prydaen and Rakash Elders that helped make it.

			In more recent times, Lyras finally engineered a way to shatter the magic keeping the Barrier in place. Seers and holy men alike across the land received vivid visions of a group of six mages on a hill with what later proved to be a depiction of the Barrier - a wall of golden light - in the background. These six casters wove an incredibly complex and powerful necromantic spell which sowed the seed of the Barrier's effective destruction: As the Elders are tied to the Barrier, the Barrier was tied to the Elders, and this corruption seeped into their own spirits and drove at least one of them temporarily mad. Eventually, the remaining Prydaen Elders died, some say as a mercy granted by their gods to free them from the suffering being inflicted upon them. In any case, this was the opening that Lyras needed, and more visions followed confirming that the Barrier was now useless against holding Lyras or her legions back. While vestiges of it remain, what glimpses Seers have been able to get show the once-golden wall of light as a corrupted, diseased-looking thing, permeated with sickening black and red streaks.

			Curiously, Lyras seems to have mages of all types in her employ, not only Necromancers. Elemental and Lunar mages showing clear and obvious signs of having been formally trained in the east have been glimpsed in her retinue; Moongates for example, a spell westerners would not possess, have been observed receiving heavy use, presumably to help both bridge the massive distance between the east and west and position troops. Indeed, the relatively primitive technology and magical prowess recorded from the west combined with the lack of large, organized population centers suggests that Lyras likely originally chose the west as her initial staging ground in order to build a very large army composed of relatively intelligent, sentient undead with as little resistance as possible. As she possesses formally trained mages all the same despite the lack of the Prydaen and Rakash, it can be inferred that she either took these mages with her or created them at a later date from some of the sparser yet still eastern-educated groups found far to the west; most likely, both are true.

			I shall not rehash and restate details regarding the composition, size and movements of her army here, as it has been tracked, observed, recorded and accidentally leaked most admirably by researchers in the Moon Mage guild. Within these documents however, researchers touched on the apparent difficulties involved in attempting to use any kind of clairvoyant magic or foresight against Lyras, and the inaccuracy inherent in using spells like Locate to attempt to triangulate her position. While they hypothesized that this was solely due to some mysterious influence from the Barrier, I believe this is only half the story. The Barrier may very likely throw up some interference to scrying attempts, but formal researchers have thus far failed to publicly take into account Lyras _herself_ - that is to say, the possibility that there is something Lyras is doing, or something being done to her, that is occluding her from our senses. We have discovered for certain that spells relying on a connection to the Plane of Probability, such as Seer's Sense, experience violent backlashes when mages attempt to use them on Lyras or one of her Necromancer minions. This was an ominous confirmation of some suspicions for some, and a premonition for others.

			Far-flung Seers for the past year have experienced visions of a great darkness with an aching hunger and a malevolent will with the power to consume an entire world; an entity whose machinations crush the very essence of Fate itself, killing symbols, destroying the forces of nature and devouring anything and everything, even the Immortals themselves. These visions have been both highly emotionally and physically traumatic to that have experienced them, inflicting everything from simple brain hemorrhage to coma to death on those that have been unfortunate enough to experience them. While Clerics and Moon Mages do not as a rule have very much common ground, those that have experienced these visions, witnessed Lyras herself and attempted to read her supernaturally have come to an uncommon accord: The seed of the proverbial End itself is tied intrinsically to Lyras's fate. Her destiny is clear and astonishingly obvious with any that have the eyes to See it, and while the entity responsible is not directly observable, its influence is painfully obvious.

			It has thus far been the opinion of Tallis and many other less creative minds that Maelshyve, the demon and immortal demi-goddess, is the principle root and cause of this evil and that Lyras herself draws her power from Maelshyve somehow. I respectfully disagree with this assessment, and urge our leaders both public and private to see the true nature of this threat and take steps to deal with it. It is here however, unfortunately, that I run out of ideas. How does one stop the very essence of hunger itself that threatens to extinguish even the very _idea_ of life? At the very least, this may help us understand our enemy better, and every shred of understanding gets us one step closer to potentially averting the tide of destruction that is ready to wash over us; at the very least perhaps by destroying the earthly shell that Lyras's cunning malice still occupies. Of course, liches are known to be notoriously difficult to truly kill, even when the Necromancer does not possess the skill and power that Lyras does. We will need to come together in the times to come if we stand even the remotest chance of figuring out a way to stop the threat of Lyras and her armies and destroy the lich Lyras has become.

			Perhaps a volcano would work.

			By my hand and will,<br>
			Fateweaver Caelumia Y'laeth<br>
			Academian, researcher and professor of the Moon Mage Guild and the Province of Zoluren

	...

	== Miscellaneous Notes ==		== Miscellaneous Notes ==

	This list is incomplete, but it is a reasonable start.		This list is incomplete and likely inaccurate in places, but it is a reasonable start.

	*Brittle skeletal peons		*Brittle skeletal peons

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	Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.		Most prominent and interesting among research into the subject of the undead is the existence of an undead creature known as Penelope, or Lady P. Lady P was a Moon Mage and Astrologer of great distinction believed to have originally been born and died long before the Empire of the Seven-Pointed Star, and is best known for her research into the phenomenon of the Bloodworm Comet (which is at the time of this writing visible in the constellation of the Mongoose), thought to be a portent of great ill. She taught some of the most brilliant mages in the history of the guild, including Sanyrsen Astoshe, Guildleader Mortom Saist and Guildmaster Prime Taramaine Braun, and she was responsible for multiple breakthroughs in enchanting and spell research.

	Nonetheless, she was most definitely an undead creature, and though she appeared seemingly oblivious to her condition there is no doubt about this fact; indeed this ~~lead~~ to her "death" in more recent times. Many refer to ~~has~~ as a lich, including those in my guild, but I disagree with this label. I believe the term lich implies choice, a willing undertaking by a Necromancer to descend into undeath, preserving themselves and the core of their personality in some manner. Lady P never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly those on that level, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures) nor even the most basic awareness of her condition. Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully; when brought down, they have a nasty tendency to get back up, and the skill it would presumably require to make yourself into a lich would almost assuredly come with some level of indestructibility. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up. So one of the greatest minds of our time was lost; some would say this is a good thing, and that any undead creature should be destroyed on sight, and yet...		Nonetheless, she was most definitely an undead creature, and though she appeared seemingly oblivious to her condition there is no doubt about this fact; indeed this led to her "death" in more recent times. Many refer to her as a lich, including those in my guild, but I disagree with this label. I believe the term lich implies choice, a willing undertaking by a Necromancer to descend into undeath, preserving themselves and the core of their personality in some manner. Lady P never expressed the remotest inclination toward necromancy, nor the temperament you would expect to see in such an individual (Necromancers, particularly those on that level, are invariably megalomaniacal, destructive, and arrogant creatures) nor even the most basic awareness of her condition. Further, even a living Necromancer is nigh-impossible to kill successfully; when brought down, they have a nasty tendency to get back up, and the skill it would presumably require to make yourself into a lich would almost assuredly come with some level of indestructibility. But on the contrary, when attacked, Lady P never raised so much as a hand against her attackers, instead begging them to stop and asking them why they would want to hurt her. When she fell, she did not get back up. So one of the greatest minds of our time was lost; some would say this is a good thing, and that any undead creature should be destroyed on sight, and yet...

	Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been _created_ by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and quite possibly free will intact. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but it fits with her apparent ignorance toward her condition. And if one Necromancer could do it, another certainly could, particularly of the caliber of Lyras. Thousands of shambling undead abominations is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.		Why is this relevant to our discussion? Simple: If Lady P was not a Necromancer that transformed herself into a lich, then it follows that she must have been _created_ by another Necromancer instead, with her personality, intellect, powers and quite possibly free will intact. What became of her creator and why he never apparently intervened in her recorded life is unknown, but it fits with her apparent ignorance toward her condition. And if one Necromancer could do it, another certainly could, particularly of the caliber of Lyras. Thousands of shambling undead abominations is one thing, but giving them the ability to think and plot is quite another. Indeed, the more exposure we have to Lyras's servants, the more we must realize that we need to tear down our preconceived notions of what a Necromancer is and is not capable of, and face a much more grim reality: Our opponent is more dangerous than we ever thought.

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	**Areas sighted: Near the ferry to Ain Ghazal in Forfehdhar, Ilithi.		**Areas sighted: Near the ferry to Ain Ghazal in Forfehdhar, Ilithi.

	== Lieutenants ==		=== Lieutenants ===

	These all share the common trait of being undead Necromancers, as well as (presumably) the same spell pool. Of the three, Gurglesnout seems to be the least threatening while Klusarlaik is easily the most, with Tachid somewhere in between. All of them seem to be able to call undead troops to their locations and show amazing levels of endurance and the ability to regenerate wounds at an alarming rate, as well as the ability to instantly snap out of any kind of stun, immobilization, unconsciousness, or other disability. Tachid referred to himself as "Risen," presumably by Lyras, and based on commentary by the other two I assume they are also creations of hers versus self-styled undead like Lyras herself. '''Do not approach these creatures alone. Singular acts of aggression are more likely to be fatally stupid than they are heroic.''' The cooperation of a middling to large group of people focusing as many damaging attacks on the Necromancer is the most successful way of dealing with one of them in combat. Fire also helps, though it pisses Tachid off something mighty if you mention it.		These all share the common trait of being undead Necromancers, as well as (presumably) the same spell pool. Of the three, Gurglesnout seems to be the least threatening while Klusarlaik is easily the most, with Tachid somewhere in between. All of them seem to be able to call undead troops to their locations and show amazing levels of endurance and the ability to regenerate wounds at an alarming rate, as well as the ability to instantly snap out of any kind of stun, immobilization, unconsciousness, or other disability. Tachid referred to himself as "Risen," presumably by Lyras, and based on commentary by the other two I assume they are also creations of hers versus self-styled undead like Lyras herself. '''Do not approach these creatures alone. Singular acts of aggression are more likely to be fatally stupid than they are heroic.''' The cooperation of a middling to large group of people focusing as many damaging attacks on the Necromancer is the most successful way of dealing with one of them in combat. Fire also helps, though it pisses Tachid off something mighty if you mention it.