The First Land Herald/428-09-10 (2)

Article Number: Unknown article number

Dateline: 428-09-10

BE'ORT SOURS PARTY AS TEARDRINKERS INVADE In a recent article, I brought you news of the "love donkey," a magical white donkey appearing to be the servant of Saemaus, who attended numerous parties throughout Kermoria. Events involving the donkey have escalated and it is now clear that Be'ort is also seriously involved. I attended another of the donkey's parties recently to observe the holy being once again. Held at the Half Pint Inn in the Crossing, the honeymooners Tasivu and Inlagie were again present, as were many merry-makers. The donkey again provided gifts of food, drink, party favors, and Saemaus' kiss roses, and in its presence I felt the airy lightness that seemed to impart intoxication to all nearby. (Thankfully, this time I was protected by a Psychic Shield, kindly offered by Visionist Miskton. I just tried to avoid the donkey's direct gaze, which seems far more potent.) As the party drew on, the general aura began to turn in a way that was not immediately discernible. In hindsight, I can say that there was a distinctly sour note in the air, an effluvium I could not place. Around the edges of my Psychic Shield, I felt thoughts intruding into my mind: Could I ever really trust anyone? Is true love real? Couples began to bicker, who before had seemed so effervescently in love. Tasivu and Inlagie in particular exchanged some biting words, becoming judgmental and angry. Suddenly, a piercing howl echoed through the area, rattling me to my core. A cloaked figure at the edge of the party sneered and said, "The roots of love betray you, and Be'ort will have his due." Bizarre feelings of amusement and anguish echoed against my Shield. Roses were abruptly flung out of containers and onto the floor, smoking. At the center of each flower opened a pair of doleful, tear-filled eyes, and the stem sprouted arms and legs. These creatures, which I dub 'teardrinkers,' drew out tiny crystal Be'ort scission blades and began to attack us, sobbing in between blows and calling out to Be'ort. Although tiny, the flowers overwhelmed us in number and attacked with shocking and devastating precision. The donkey fled. Though some adventurers managed to rally and fight the teardrinkers, we discovered that upon the creatures' deaths, they explode violently, often sending thorns of lethal poison deep into bystanders. Most of us did not survive. Inlagie cried out an apology to Tasivu, and Tasivu in turn called out that he would not leave her. I would later learn from Ghust that the two made up and escaped together. It turned out that any Saemaus or Be'ort rose posed a danger and could turn at any time. I discovered one myself at the Bard guild in Riverhaven, and I watched it transform even as I tried to destroy it in a bucket. These creatures tend to follow their marks, teleporting in clouds of pollen. Deal with them cautiously as they are extremely dangerous. After the party, a group of Olvi priests appeared and told us that the damage done by Be'ort was far deeper than we realized. You see, they tend to a sacred grove of khor'vela trees, and they believe that the imbalance caused by Be'ort has led to corruption among their trees. They have set representatives next to the portals in all major cities. Speak to them if you wish to aid their cause. A few days later, the Crossing was invaded by the teardrinkers again. After experiencing the deep sting of their poison, leading to a second death, I heeded the cries of Mother Whiteburn on the gweth. We gathered supplicants to the altar beneath the Temple's wedding chapel, a place dedicated to Be'ort, and there we prayed and made an offering of our blood mixed with vinegared wine. Perhaps it was nothing, but as we prayed, I noticed a few clear droplets start to gather on the altar — as we continued, more rolled down the side and the air seemed to clear a little. A sprig of rue blew into my hand. After Bard Odakai and I sang to the god in reverence, I heard a howling sound rip through my mind, as a phantasmal coyote lunged for my throat. Fear filled me in a most unnatural way. Several others experienced similar visions, including Odakai, Mazrian, Kaelie, and Rosinnia. Finally, at the end of our prayers, we heard a fading howl echoing in the distance. Although most of us left at this point, Mother Whiteburn would tell me later that she stayed and witnessed a sign. The incense from the service was still smoldering, and as it burned, faint wisps of smoke reformed into the image of a great coyote howling at the sky. Mother Whiteburn said, "The sacred beast turned a satiated and benevolent gaze toward me, its gleaming ivory fangs tipped with blood… I am confident that was a sign that Be'ort was, indeed, pleased by our offering and our prayers." Thus it seems we stemmed what could have been a larger, deadlier invasion, although given that the khor'vela remain corrupted, I suspect Be'ort will remain active for some time. Some other visions have been reported throughout these events, and Mother Whiteburn continues to gather information on them and other signs in order to form her opinion as a holy servant. The Herald encourages all Clerics, particularly those following Glythtide's aspects, to come forward with thoughts on the current crisis. In sacrifice together, Navesi Daerthon True Bard, Zoluren's Herald Editor in Chief of the First Land Herald

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Author(s): Navesi