Dantia/Storylines/Mana Surges & Wild Magic

This is an ONGOING ROLEPLAYING EVENT. Information is being updated as it becomes available.

2021 - June 14, 2024: The Long Lead Up

438-05-38(ish) (June/July 2021) - People started receiving occasional odd messaging when casting spells. During Hollow Eve 2021 (and 2022), several Merelew Greeters asked adventurers if they had been having these strange feelings, too. For a comprehensive list of messaging and probability over time, see Urbaj's roundup.

448-05-04 (March 2, 2024) - Mazrian hosts the "Investigating the Magical Mind" event, where adventurers participated in an experiment to try to recreate these oddities in a controlled way. Various mana types and spells were tested, with casters being observed, and other casters attempting to tamper with the mana streams to induce resonance or dampening, with the goal of inducing a similar state as the oddities. There were no conclusive outcomes of this investigation.

449-05-20 (June 14, 2024) - The magic oddities (sometimes referred to as surges) begin increased in frequency, eventually culminating on June 14, 2024 to occur on each and every each cast. Several meetings are held to discuss what this might signify, with no solid hypothesis. One idea that comes up is to try to reduce the amount of casting that adventurers are doing, but it's decided that would be too hard to orchestrate.

June 15, 2024: Magic is Out

449-05-184 (June 15, 2024) - Realm wide, people felt one of the below messages, depending on their mana type/Guild:

• Pain stabs through your mind and body as your attunement to the breathing rise and fall of Life is suddenly severed! (Empath / Ranger)
• Pain stabs through your soul as your attunement to the footsteps of the gods wavers and becomes lost! (Cleric / Paladin)
• Pain stabs through your mind and body as your attunement to the elemental forces around you is suddenly severed! (Warrior Mage / Bard)
• Pain stabs through your mind and body as your attunement to the heavenly bodies is suddenly severed! (Moon Mage / Trader)
• Pain stabs through your scarred mind as your multifaceted attunement to the mana spectrum is suddenly undone! (Necromancer)

After this, attempting to use the magic system (such as prepare a spell, harness, invoke a tattoo, or use a wand) you would receive one of two messages. Magic was off!

• [The magic system is inoperative at the moment. Sorry for the inconvenience.]
• Strangely, you can sense absolutely nothing. It's as if magic didn't exist.

Over the next hour, we felt (in this order):

Your body trembles as your mind instinctively reaches toward that place where you usually feel your connection to magic.  It is cold.

You feel a surge of mana reaching toward you!  You instinctively reach out to grasp it.  You struggle to hold on, but it slips away again, leaving you feeling exhausted.

You sense a fleeting trace of mana.  It briefly grows stronger, but quickly fades away again.

Your senses explode and you are momentarily blinded!  Mana overfills your being, and you struggle to control the flow!  Just as suddenly, it seeps away, leaving you empty.

You feel a deep sense that something has changed.  Your attunement to the breathing rise and fall of Life is restored, but it does not feel controllable!

Casting had returned, but now it was Wild! For more information on how Wild Magic works, the messaging, or effects, please visit Wild Magic (Concept).

June 15, 2024: Vile Plague Wraith Invasion

On 449-05-184 (June 15, 2024), shortly after the the Wild Magic release, there was an invasion of Vile Plague Wraiths throughout Shard, Zoluren and Therengia.

> look wraith
Held aloft by two expansive skeletal wings, the massive plague wraith towers over thirty feet tall.  Under its tattered cloak, a black mass of writhing insects and serpents cling tightly to a nearly fleshless skeleton.  Four elongated arms, covered in a tangle of scorpions and spiders, end in wickedly curved talons that twitch in anticipation of its next victim.  Practically obscured by the inky shadows cast by its voluminous hood, two flaming emerald eyes partially illuminate its malevolent hook-toothed skull.

Some of these creatures drop an emerald scarab medallion with a delicate gold inlay, which was cursed (meaning you could not drop it until it was uncursed).

June 15, 2024: Breakthrough Messaging

Along with the release of wild magic was the addition of a new RESEARCH option, RESEARCH WILD. Each Guild received a different piece of information regarding what was going on:

Trader:

Breakthrough!
Lunar mana fizzes out of focus with unknowable, periodic perturbations from the planets in your range.  Oddly enough, it is the Negotiants' unbidden tutelage that nudges you toward the research's endpoint and a wealth of knowledge relating to wild magic.  You are assured that the Contract is still inviolate and binding, and all prohibitions remain.  The Contract is all that matters.

Moon Mage:

Breakthrough!
Lunar mana fizzes out of focus with unknowable, periodic perturbations from the planets in your range.  Oddly enough, your calculations prompt you to think back to a time with Katamba unburnt and Grazhir whole, the golden age of near-effortless Lunar miracles.  All lost now, and the threads are converging on a similarly disastrous trajectory!

Paladin:

Breakthrough!
You have come to an alarming conclusion you attribute the changes in Holy mana's behavior to long-standing and widespread lopsided practices of magic.  An imbalance is shaking the Bulwark loose, which seems bafflingly vulnerable against this menace.

Cleric:

Breakthrough!
You have come to an alarming conclusion you attribute the changes in Holy mana's behavior to an 'upward' lurch in the flow.  Something is stymieing or etiolating the Font of Creation, and Divinity itself is suffering for it!

Bard:

Breakthrough!
Something is broken with the replenishment cycles of Elemental mana.  Even though you have not noticed a decrease in available power, it seems inevitable.  From what your research has evoked, you have the smallest understanding, the barest shape, of an eonic plan that stretches back to the dark histories -- gods and demons, mortals and monsters all helpless before it.

Warrior Mage:

Breakthrough!
Something is broken with the replenishment cycles of Elemental mana.  Even though you have not noticed a decrease in available power, it seems inevitable.  Lessons from long ago prickle at your mind concerning the lore of Sraan Mehath.  You cannot shake a feeling of deep dread.

Empath:

Breakthrough!
Life mana has buckled under vast pressures from what feel like above and below.  Although this instills a fear in you for the fate of the cycle of life, you do not think the repercussions will echo to the natural world just yet.

Ranger:

Breakthrough!
Life mana has buckled under vast pressures from what feel like above and below.  You have an intimation that the Life dragons are keenly aware of the causes, preparing and further isolating their conserved lands.  However, as usual, they have withheld their counsel.

Necromancer:

Breakthrough!
You just concluded the unpleasant task of tracking the continual disruption in Arcane mana, step by minute step.  Some force beyond your ken, nothing short of godly, has been changing the rules with a brutal hand.  The Great Work is tipped on the brink of impossibility as the mana streams become increasingly immiscible, sterile, and foreign textured all at once.

Necromancer (Redeemed):

Breakthrough!
You just concluded the unpleasant task of tracking the continual disruption in Arcane mana, step by minute step.  The grand order ordained by the gods is under attack by... itself?  In ways you cannot approach grasping, the mana spectrum is separating out, each strand resisting attempts to bend it into patterns.

June 18, 2024: Remembering Keishalae

Posted by Dantia to Discord:

Dantia rubs her temples, trying once again to fend off the weight of worries pressing down on her.  The bizarre forces and implications behind the Wild Magic phenomenon were causing her sleepless nights -- but there was just so much work left.

In the aftermath of the events, anyone of a spellcasting Guild with a basic knowledge of Arcana could set about researching this Wild Magic, and the findings all proved to be of great concern.  Empaths themselves had concluded that Life mana was buckling under some vast pressure from what felt like above and below.  Broadly, Life mana flows from the cycle of life and death, so this was enough to instill a fear that the cycle itself was under threat.  And Dantia was not one to sit idly by in the face of a threat.

Around her on the floor are organized stacks of notes, books, scrolls, and messages, all within easy reach.  From between these piles, she lifts a small sanowret crystal, the light of a nearby candle flickering across its surface.  She lowers her gaze into it and the recollection of wisdom again fills her mind, her lips moving silently to mouth the words memorized as if a mantra.

"Life magic is perhaps the most mysterious realm to Kermorians, lacking the scholarly body of the other three conventional realms and the critical eye placed upon Arcane magic.  Broadly, it derives its power from the cycle of life and death, expressions of biological order and entropy."

The tones of the sanowret crystal continue.

"Despite the name, Life mana is strongly identified with the natural process of decay.  This has been a matter of confusion, since common sensibilities would place the 'magic of death' as being Necromancy, but this is not the case.  Necromancy deals with perversions and unnatural permutations of life and death.  The actual process..."

Exhaustion begins to overtake her, the words of the sanowret playing through her mind like a soft lullaby - the kind which brings stillness to your mind and allows you to drift off to sleep more easily.  Her chin tilts downwards, aching for someplace to rest.  Her own mind begins to wander amidst the words of the sanowret, the two entwining in the space of her mind.

"... of dying and decaying into constituent parts..." Death.  Decaying.  The cycle of life. 
"... is part of the power of Life." Life magic.  Life cannot defeat Life.  The Starry Road.

Finally finding a solid resting place, her chin ends its downward tilt, and her mind finally falls silent.  Sleep comes for her, and all is peaceful for a moment.  Two.  Three.

Her head snaps up, eyes wide as she stares into the distance.  "Keishalae..." she chokes out.  All at once she spurs into chaotic action.  She frantically pushes and pulls at the once organized piles of knowledge around her until she finds a scrap piece of paper with enough space to write on.

"The process of dying and decaying is part of the power of Life," she repeats, urging herself to remember whatever sleep-based thought she has had.  The tone of her voice changes, a clear imitation of the last time she heard Keishalae speak: "I have different needs now.  The price for your work will be your death." 

With a shaky hand she takes up her quill, dabs it into an inkwell, and writes in a hurried script.

"Life magic under pressure. Something threatening cycle of life and death. Font of Creation stymied. Gods, demons, mortals, monsters all helpless.  What is responsible?  Remember Keishalae."  She hastily blows out the nearby candle and hurries from the room.

I will be getting a calendar event up to discuss this theory line I have, but wanted to get my thoughts down while they were fresh!

June 19, 2024: Additional Points of View

• Story posted by Aislynn, available on Discord.
• Story posted by Nazzarus, available on Discord.
• Story posted by Nawain, available on Discord.

June 21, 2024: Grey Dragons Seek Amnuva

Waydren, of the Grey Dragons, hosted an event to reach out to the Kather Anmuva, on the hopes that the Life Dragons may know more about what is happening. Anmuva articulated concerns that wild magic disruptions were not only affecting mana streams but also potentially endangering the Immortals themselves. His metaphorical descriptions likened these disruptions to obstructed rivers, illustrating how such disturbances could lead to broader metaphysical repercussions. He emphasized the urgency of understanding the root causes of wild magic, advocated for cautious magical practices, and encouraged collaborative efforts among attendees to mitigate these effects and explore potential solutions.

During the event, Anmuva was confronted by Atuen who called Anmuva a false dragon.

* Anmuva suddenly extends to his full height -- you estimate as tall as an Ogre -- and lunges unexpectedly at Atuen, a snarl baring vicious teeth.  Atuen falters at the gesture, her willpower failing to maintain composure!

Anmuva appears satisfied, and stands his ground.

Atuen continues to huddle against the ground, shivering slightly.

However, upon recovering, Atuen attempted to cast on Anmuva, to this end:

Anmuva springs towards Atuen, with the speed of a tiger.  Anmuva angles himself to knock him to the ground!

Anmuva slams into Atuen, knocking him prone!

* Anmuva bites off Atuen's face!
* Atuen is slain before your eyes!

The full log of that event is available here.

June 22, 2024: Efforts Rewarded

Ayrell hosted a discussion at Milene's Rose Inn in Shard (log available here, courtesy of Ayrell). While various theories on what is happening were being shared, we received:

You feel as if you've gained attention.  It is not a comfortable feeling.

You take a quick breath as you feel the eyes upon you fade away.

At a follow up vigil the same evening, hosted by Jaelia, we felt the following:

The back of your neck itches slightly for a moment and you feel as if you've gained attention.

You feel as though Life mana is behaving differently in ways you cannot quite interpret.

You feel the eyes upon you fade away.

The air takes on a honeyed-tone, and everything slows.  The ground seems to heave and you lose your balance.  After a moment, the sensation passes, though something feels very wrong.

The mana streams roil, and you are unable to make sense of the chaotic fluctuations!

You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, a barren abyss incapable of growth or change! (Note: this line changed depending on your Guild, see below)

A gust of turbulent hot air billows around you, while an expanding ring of frost spreads around your feet.  You smell burnt sugar and your throat stings.

Your connection to the mana streams buzzes painfully, a pounding headache building as your ears throb and you squint against the pain!

Darkness begins to encroach around the edge of your vision, erupting with silvery star bursts.  You fight against the loss of sight, but everything begins to go black!  A wolf howls in the distance, and a golden lightning bolt forks across the darkness, restoring your vision!

The strange quality of the air fades, and the headache passes.  You take a shuddering breath and everything feels...  a little better?

Bard: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, discordant echoes howling without pattern!
War Mage: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, indistinguishable elements crackling and blurring together!
Moon Mage: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, gazing upon the reflection of foreign and silent stars!
Trader: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, gazing upon the reflection of dim and meaningless stars!
Paladin: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, devoid of order and nobility!
Cleric: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, empty and without Their grace!
Empath: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, a barren abyss incapable of growth or change!
Ranger: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, untended and incapable of growth or change!
Necromancer: You feel yourself leaning over the edge of a cliff, absent even Their snarled and threatening whispers!

At this point, we received this announcement on Discord:

Ongoing Event: Wild Magic Updates

The phase change tonight saw characters' efforts rewarded.  Someone or something .. did something.  We heard a wolf howl, we saw a lightning bolt.  And things feel a little .. better.

The Gods are tryin' to do what they do!  Because of their intervention, two effects have been dropped from wild magic:  You will no longer experience Mana burn, and you will no longer experience a full attunement refill.

With this release, we also added a few more spell customizations.  Thank you to the players of @Hamuk  @Imroth  and @Valynn  for their help with designs!

June 26, 2024: Planar Observatory Exploration, Learning of Liraxes

There was an expedition to the Planar Observatory to investigate whether the unique perspective of that location would shed any light on the difficulties with mana and spellcasting.

Adventurers entered the Astral Plane to find it more chaotic than typical. They heard voices with no clear origin echoing from every direction, whispering the word "Liraxes." A benevolent voice raises to the front warning that the Microcosm is less stable than before, and that "even now, Liraxes assembles itself." The voice began urging adventurers to return to the Plane of Abiding, even nudging at their backs. "Go! He comes!" the voice called.

A new harsh, distorted voice was heard saying, "I was named Pelag ai Aldam." The benevolent voice pled with adventurers to leave before something, someone "tears your consciousness to shreds." The nudging became shoving, and they were forced back into the Plane of Abiding.

Even when returned, adventurers could still hear the words "Liraxes assembles itself."

Those words ("I was named Pelag ai Aldam") are usually heard when Pelag ai Aldam encounters a Moon Mage in the Astral Plane and kills them. It appears that the benevolent voice was able to shove adventurers back to the Plane of Abiding before this occurred.

A log of the GM sent bits is available here.

June 26, 2024: Wild Magic and the Web of Fate Event

Miskton held an event where he would perform a prediction on people while they were engaged in researching wild magic (see more about that [Wild_magic_(concept)#Research|here]), with the hope that "attunement to the vagaries of wild magic will provide a focus for [his] prophetic insight."

There were a number of predictions completed. Below are the various results:

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Kethrai's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

After a moment, you smell pine and feel the need to wipe sawdust from your hands. A wooden box rests in your hands, as yet unpolished, but expertly assembled with precise dovetails. Opposing pine and oak make for a striking contrast, and the lid appears as a fractional gap interrupting the grain. Before your eyes, the box appears to shift, and is now a smoothly interlocked orb. As you blink, the vision fades, and the box disappears.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Yvela's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

After a moment, burning pitch stings your eyes and the sky shatters, dripping reflective shards of rainbowed light. You watch this strange skyfall, mesmerized by the tumbling images of the sky and land spinning in every direction. As you watch, the pieces pick up speed and begin to slam into the ground, exploding into crystalline fire and evaporating. Gaps in the sky writhe with bulges of nothingness, and suddenly, one of the shards slices your cheek! You gasp in surprise as crystal erupts along your face, covering your eyes, your vision skewing wildly. The vision fades, and everything returns to normal.

Vaerek says, "A bell is struck in the distance, an odd tone with several harmonics. You feel yourself yanked forward, falling to your knees, and when you look up, a large hexagonal bell etched in strange symbols hovers in the air before you. The bell is struck, and you are buffeted backward by the deafening sound. The vision fades, and you wobble uncertainty."

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Saragos's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

Your hands itch, and you clap them together in irritation. The feeling persists, and you cannot shake the sense of something left unfinished -- an orlog assembled but missing a final component. For some reason you are confident that while something is missing, the whole is operational. And you ponder this certainty, the stars begin to howl, and the sensation passes.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Crobin's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

Acrid smoke wafts past you, and you turn around finding yourself face to face with the woman in the wide-brimmed hat, her cataract eyes staring at you as she grins a cruel half grin around a lit cigarillo. "This isn't my doing," She says, "Though I'm almost jealous at the scale. But it's calling itself Liraxes, eh? Curious choice. Well, we'll see where this lands." The smoke stings your eyes, and as you cough, she vanishes without a trace.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Allye's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

A rumble passes underfoot, and you cock your head straining to hear. A sound not unlike... sizzling oil? Rushes by again. You kneel, touching the ground gingerly, and feel it through your fingertips, the churn of hundreds of feet churning along. The ground erupts, and you fall, fall into a mass of appendages and digging claws, hearing the whispered word "Liraxes" echoing all around. Suddenly the feeling fades, and you look around in confusion.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Jaelia's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

The ground heaves, and a chunk of stone thrusts upward, grinding loudly. Several strange symbols burn into the sheer face of rock, and reassemble themselves into the letters "L", "I", and "R". The stone suddenly collapses into a pile of rubble, the pieces vibrating slightly. You blink, and the vision fades.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Kerennya's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

You find yourself surrounded by calm waters, a gentle sea breeze barely stirring the air. A trio of fish, one black as night, another blood red, the third a light blue, swirl circles around your feet. You look down and find yourself smiling at the three, seemingly unafraid. A fourth fish, pure white, swims in the distance, and the vision fades.

(This one was widely believed to be a representation of the moons.)

Vaerek says, "You stand before a cliff, looking down into a swirling maelstrom crackling with purple lightning. Echoes violently tear at the air around you, and you step back in fear. Far above, a slug-like creature drifts down, extending several tentacles and reaching for you. Suddenly, a lance of blinding light skewers the horizon, piercing the floating slug, which erupts into black slime as it falls into the storm below. A deafening explosion forces you to cover your ears, and the vision fades."

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Ayrell's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

PAIN! Talons and barbs twist along your insides and you gasp in sudden, almost absurd agony! Your whole body tenses, and you turn slightly, finding yourself face to face with a hooded figure. A blinding rainbowed light tears from the figure's hood, and you make out a massive maw screaming "LIRAXES ASSERTS ITSELF!" before everything goes white. You blink, and your vision returns to normal, the pain receding.

You focus inwardly searching for insight into Navesi's future.

Everything shifts weirdly, and you feel off... The feeling passes.

Everything wavers, and you feel wildly disoriented. You find yourself looking down an endless hallway filled with featureless doors. One of the doors opens, and an old woman emerges, closing the door behind her. She turns to you, and waves a hand in irritation, and calls out in a firm but reasoned tone, "Alright, enough, you've pushed your luck enough! Go, before they take note!" She opens the door to step through, and you catch a glimpse of kaleidoscopic lights, swirling galaxies, and find your mind pulled forward. The door shuts, and locks, and the vision fades.

After that prediction, Miskton felt:

The stars vibrate slightly, and everything shudders as the mana streams realign, resettle, and briefly calm. You hear them singing, exhausted, and unwilling to share more.

And all those gathered then felt:

You feel odd a moment, and the feeling quickly passes. Everything feels... normal? again.

A full log of this event is available here, courtesy of Miskton.

June 27, 2024: Diplomacy with Dragon Priests Event

Although previous talks with the Dragon Priests had yielded little information regarding their recent activities, the ongoing concerns surrounding wild magic and disruptions to mana have led to a different purpose in reaching out to the Ecclesiarch Suulnir. Research indicates the dragons to potentially have knowledge of the disturbance and its cause. As the Dragon Priests serve a dragon Emperor, Ayrell assembled a team attempted to speak with the Ecclesiarch in hopes of obtaining information that may aid in the continuing efforts to solve this mystery.

Unfortunately, Suulnir did not appear at the meeting and thus the party was unable to ask questions.

June 29, 2024: Flow Veins to Streams Event

A Philosopher called to other arcanists who were willing to lend their aid and shed their blood. An attempt was made to bolster the streams of mana and see further into them using the necromancer's unique sanguine and transcendental talents.

Further details or outcomes of this event are unknown.

June 29, 2024 : Wild Magic Theory Discussion

All interested in discussing the mystery of the wild magic and presenting their theories were welcome for drinks and discussion. Saragos began with a list of things that we know, presented one theory to open discussion, then opened the floor to theories on both the nature of the problem and possible causes.

July 5, 2024: Seeking Commodore Khoheke

With so many uncertainties surrounding the recent changes to magic, a letter was sent to Commodore Khoheke Moglin in hopes that he might provide additional information regarding the Bulwark and how it may be affected by the cause of this wild magic. Instead, the event was waylaid by the criminal pirate Srinoja, who appears to have intercepted the invitation to the Commodore.

A log of the event is available here.

July 6, 2024: Magical Research Using Othersight Event

Elemental Mages and other interested parties were invited to Asemath Academy in the Crossing for a lecture by Saragos, Navesi, and others on the nature of Othersight. Following the lecture, they attempted to use Othersight to uncover more about the current Wild Magic problems and to advance research into other planar incursions.

Unfortunately, no new discoveries were made.

A conversation-only version of this event is available here, courtesy of Saragos.

July 8, 2024: Wild Magic and the Zaulfang Stones Event

With so much still unknown about wild magic and its source, Ayrell Evyntine and Avrenka invited interested parties to join them on a journey to the Zaulfung Stones in search of additional clues to aid ongoing research. As a significant location from past planar incursions, they conducted investigations and discussions to determine if anything more could be learned in their efforts to solve this great mystery.

Unfortunately, no new discoveries were made.

A log of the event is available here, courtesy of Ayrell.

July 10, 2024: Wild Magic Exploration & Research Event

Interested parties were invited to join Ayrell Evyntine for an evening of history, research, and exploration to seek answers to the mystery of wild magic. The evening began at Milene's Rose with a brief presentation on the War of Tears, the Sraan Mehath, the Heralds, and the subsequent Resistance War. After the presentation, attendees investigated the area where Teiro's army was said to have cast the same spell that previously destroyed the S'Kra Mur Wind Clan. Efforts were made to gather any valuable information from this location before continuing to Chyolvea Tayeu'a for a closing presentation addressing the events from the last time magic "died."

A log of this event is available here, courtesy of Ayrell.

July 12, 2024: Wild Magic Research at Zengmodaleth Event

Elemental Mages and other interested parties were invited to join us in Zengmodaleth for further investigation and research into the ongoing Wild Magic phenomenon. An exploration of the area was conducted in search of any abnormalities that might serve as clues, followed by a focused attempt to utilize Othersight from the vantage point of the Olkan Rae Audrus.

During the experiments, the following were felt:

A soft ring echoes across the area.  Odd.

A series of flickers emanate all around you, leaving you blinking away afterimages.

A series of chimes sound forth.  Curious.

A soft hiss fills your mind, and sweeps across the area several times.  It fades.

A bolt of lightning rakes across the encapsulating bubble and for a moment you are sure you can see the bones in your hand.  You blink away the blinding light and realize you were momentarily deafened.  The sounds of the area slowly return.

A soft hiss fills your mind, and sweeps across the area several times.  It lingers.

Suddenly, a deafening tone is struck, tearing outward, shaking the ephemeral bubble encapsulating the area, and you fall to your knees!  Several monstrous bolts of lightning lash against the space, leaving you momentarily deaf and blind as you blink away the after effect, your ears slightly ringing.

A snarl of lightning crisscrosses in the distance and begins to grow, a knotted mass that seems to vibrate and grow.  It is difficult to tell if it is getting closer, or getting bigger.  Or both.

A soft hiss fills your mind, and sweeps across the area several times.  It suddenly goes silent.

Several pulses of destabilized energy pulse outward from the group, and for a horrifying moment you are left wondering if the encapsulating bubble will fail.  The distant knotted mass rips apart, casting spirals of lightning vortices and purple sparks, forming an open loop.

The loop expands, still shedding lightning and purple sparks, and suddenly snaps, the knot releasing.  Several long moments later, a prolonged ripping sound tortures the area before fading.

The soft hiss again fills your mind, sweeping across the area.  After a moment, it again goes silent.

You are unable to make sense of any further patterns in the distance.  The chaotic lightning resumes.

A full log of the event is available here, courtesy of Ayrell.

July 18, 2024: The Webweaver and her Children Event

Harawep is uniquely tasked with maintaining the health of the Web of Fate, and Her favored children, the wildling spiders, feed exclusively on mana. Aislynn invited adventurers to meet and discuss Harawep's fight against the corruption of the Web, the wilding spiders, and their devoted attendants the Spidersworn, with the hope that the Spidersworn themselves might drop in and share their wisdom and any news about the Webweaver's will in this time of twisted magic.

At the event, Aislynn discussed Harawep's role in maintaining the Web of Fate, which is connected to mana flows, and speculated that recent magical disruptions might be due to damage to the Web. She theorized that a new avatar named Liraxes, composed of many wildling spiders, might be attempting to remake the world due to corruption in the Web of Fate. After the presentation, the topics discussed included the nature of the Web of Fate, its connection to different planes of existence, and how sorcery might be damaging it.

A full log of the event is available here, courtesy of Aislynn.

July 26, 2024: Seeking Commodore Khoheke - Take Two Event

With the interception of the first correspondence by the pirate Srinoja, a new effort was made to initiate contact with the Commodore - via a letter hand-delivered by the Northern Watch members Tirost and Rileos. Adventurers gathered in the Wayfarer's Tankard, and were joined by Khoheke. Khoheke was questioned about the Paladin's discovery that that Bulwark appeared to be shaking loose, and responded that although he was aware of the situation, he had no more answers than we did. He said that if his Temple contact, Zauldin, were still alive, that would be the more likely of the two to have answers for these types of questions.

Comments of note:

[20:17] Khoheke says to Ayrell, "I have felt the same strangeness, as if it's been unable to maintain the same level of integrity."
[20:22] Khoheke says, "From my own observations, I would begin with the reminder that the Bulwark serves to maintain planar integrity, with its health directly related to the purity of our soul.  But -- that is my own understanding from discussing the subject with those who are far more experienced in planar matters."
[20:23] Khoheke says, "Notably, I observed the Bulwark seemed to suffer as Jeihrem drew more horrible things into the space around the Island.  The more horrible sorcerous energy he drew through, the bigger the cracks seemed."
[20:26] Khoheke says, "This feels similar to the cracks inflicted on the Island, though also entirely different in some ways -- and feels less directly tied to a specific thing."
[20:26] Khoheke says, "The Island felt like -- in a metaphor -- like a very large but specific crack in a plate of glass."
[20:27] Khoheke says, "Here, it feels much more like the glass has small cracks across its entire surface."

[20:27] Tirost asks Khoheke, "Any conclusions you can draw from that? The lack of specificity? Is it possible whatever's affecting the Bulwark now is of a larger scale then whatever Jeihrem was attempting? Or do you think it is from some other cause?"
[20:28] Khoheke says to Tirost, "That is the best guess I have heard, but again, I would defer to those far more educated on planar manners."

[20:29] Gwenddolyn asks, "The real question is, how do we repair the cracks to stop it?"
[20:31] Khoheke says to Gwenddolyn, "I would presume from my own experience, and from your summaries, that perhaps the answer is to limit extraplanar influence and see if the cracks repair."

[20:35] Madigan says to Khoheke, "I believe the health of the Bulwark is tied to the collective purity of paladin's souls. If the Bulwark is imbalanced, it would seem there is something to be done with the paladin's soul to help repair it."
[20:35] Khoheke says to Madigan, "That would be my thought, as well."

[20:39] You ask, "Are we... considering trying to talk folks into slowing or ceasing use of sorcery?"
[20:40] Khoheke says to you, "That is beyond my own expertise, but trying anything is worth the effort, in my estimation."

[20:41] Rileos says to Khoheke, "You heard the name Liraxes about anyplace?  It's come up and don't seem like a friendly sort."
[20:42] Khoheke asks Rileos, "Should I?  Is that the name of one of the new pirates that have been rearing their head?"

[20:43] Khoheke says, "I wish I could be of more help.  Not only am I beyond my depth with the esoteric, but my attention has been preoccupied with my recent appointment to the Council of Advisors, which is currently divided -- both on matters of transparency, trade, and how to best approach the increasing presence of pirates.  With the news of Srinoja, I will be encouraging the Council to expand interdiction patrols as far as Acenamacra."

A full log is available here, courtesy of Ayrell.

July 26, 2024: Vigil for Meraud: Mana-Festations and Magical Machinations Event

As the increasingly strange experiences of mana streams and magical castings became more violent, Jaelia invited all to join together in a Vigil for Meraud. She began with a few words on connecting with the divine, including through everyday actions. She encouraged those struggling to connect with a deity to start with something they value and reassured them that it's okay not to feel a calling to a specific deity. She then shifted focus to honoring Meraud and Firulf for their support and invited anyone wishing to make an offering to do so.

While gathered, Clerics received this vision:

Your vision fades into a sea of golden light.  You see a campfire in a clearing freshly cut in the center of a thick brambles.  A lavender blossom grows despite the unsuitable rocky ground.  A Gor'Tog carefully clears branches from the growth and places them on the fire, before looking upward to the open night sky.  You feel the warmth of your devotion swell.  As the scene fades, your vision returns to normal. 

July 27, 2024: Five Adventurers are Kidnapped

A magical research event, hosted by Saragos, Navesi and Ayrell, was held in Arhat's Tower to continue the investigation into wild magic. During the experiment, the following was felt:

A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area.
The air crackles around you as an intense flash of heat ripples through the area.  With no warning, your body erupts into a pyre of roaring red and orange flames that sucks all of the energy of the heatwave into it!

A faint whine cycling upward, and everything feels momentarily lighter.  Thin hair-like strands rise from the ground, and you feel the distant gaze of something, or someone, burning into your mind.

Everything flickers.  Your vision warps, and your hand occupies several places simultaneously.  The odd hair-like strands continue rising upward. 

The whine cycles faster, and a wild pressure begins to build behind your eyes.  A quiet voice simply says, Unacceptable, your mind recoils and shatters, and you fall to the ground!  The black threads suddenly freeze in place, hovering all around you.

Ayrell just disappeared.
Dantia just disappeared.
Navesi just disappeared.
Mazrian just disappeared.
You hear a soft *snap*, and several people vanish without a trace -- empty space is all that remains of where Ayrell, Dantia, Navesi, Mazrian, and Miskton stood a moment ago.

The sphere suddenly freezes, collapses into a single point, and explodes.  The no-color flash blinds you, and time seems to slow in the moments leading to the shockwave of an explosion reaching you.  You have no time to think, no time to blink, but you have an eternity to observe.

The pressure behind your eyes subsides, and your vision clears.  Time resumes as normal.  You find yourself...
> 
[Unknown, Null Prison]
This endless expanse of nothingness radiates with overpowering magical energy that suspends your body with no sense of purchase, with no sense of direction.  The air is still and silent.  There is no sense of the passage of time in this place, and without any perception of space, you have lost all bearing on the fundamental concepts of existence.
You also see a rapidly collapsing rift.
Also here: Ignyce (prone), Rook Dytt (prone), Truthseeker Elurora, Storm Mage Quite (prone), Shh'oiyvh-ur Ograth Elizzibiana (prone), Flamedancer Banndito (prone), Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel (prone), Firehawk Casari, Mageling Aerilia (prone), Ruea (prone), Roughneck Rileos (prone), Sellsword Kyriakes (prone), Knight of Meraud Tirost (prone), Tempest Knight Saragos (prone), Mountain Lord Ezerak, Veteran Apprentice Anuril (prone), Heart Tender Kethrai (prone), Vaerek (prone), Strawberry Nurse Illiya (prone), Danger Wizard Dasheek, Ryeka (prone), High Priestess Maraisel (prone), Hunter Hanryu (prone), White Gladiolus Allye (prone), Belzor (prone), Valynn (prone), Intern Souhei (prone), Knight Penitent Briaen (prone), Lore Keeper Lupdels (prone), Aculoc (prone), Druid Zyros (prone), Mathematician Avrenka (prone) and Lexxa (prone).
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

Also present was a rapidly closing rift:

> look rift
This vortex of energy swirls with fragments of conjured crystal.  Sparks of lightning radiate from its surface, and a faint melodic hum echoes from within.  Streaks of flame briefly flare into view, as do formless masses of earth and twisting vines.  As you STUDY it, it steadily narrows.  You believe you do not have long -- GO RIFT to attempt to exit!

> focus rift
The rift, and the prison surrounding you, radiate with phenomenal quantities of Life, Lunar, and Elemental mana as far as you can perceive.

There appears to be no beginning to this place, and no end.  The influence of each stream of mana is distinct and unmixed, yet ever present in such a volume that you can barely discern independent types.

The rift mirrors this energy, and appears to be a vortex of each stream of mana that composes this place.  You are reasonably certain you should GO RIFT to escape through the rift, with effort.

In this room, adventurers were unable to act in a variety of ways, including talk or cast magic.

When anyone attempted to escape they were held back by a variety of messages:

You force yourself toward the rift, but cannot muster the willpower to move any part of your body.
The rift continues closing with alarming speed, flashing a burst of yellow light, and for a moment you believe you can hear faint musical notes.  You estimate that you do not have long to escape before being trapped here for an eternity.

You will yourself toward the rift, but a mass of red and purple vines sprout from nowhere and bind you!
The vines rapidly disintegrate, and the rift continues closing with alarming speed.  You estimate that you do not have long to escape before being trapped here for an eternity.

You will yourself toward the rift, but tendrils of fire and stone sprout from nowhere and bind you!
The tendrils dissipate, and the rift continues closing with alarming speed.  You estimate that you do not have long to escape before being trapped here for an eternity.

You will yourself toward the rift, but razor edged shadows bind you!
The shadows evaporate, and the rift continues closing with alarming speed.  You estimate that you do not have long to escape before being trapped here for an eternity.

You will yourself toward the rift, but conjured crystal lattice binds you!
The crystal lattice dissolves and dissipates toward the rift, and the rift continues closing with alarming speed.  You estimate that you do not have long to escape before being trapped here for an eternity.

Eventually, the sphere which held the adventurers collapsed, and they were thrown to the ground back in Arhat's Tower, with many injuries. The five kidnapped adventurers did not return. For a brief time, personal gweths would reach them, but there was no response. One spousal locate was successful, but then future attempts failed.

[Unknown, Null Prison]
This endless expanse of nothingness radiates with overpowering magical energy that suspends your body with no sense of purchase, with no sense of direction.  The air is still and silent.  There is no sense of the passage of time in this place, and without any perception of space, you have lost all bearing on the fundamental concepts of existence.  
Also here: Philomath Miskton who is lying down, Mazrian who is lying down, Planesweaver Navesi who is sitting, Lady of the Watch Dantia who is lying down and Lady of Elamiri Ayrell.
Obvious exits: obscured by a thick fog

Hasty attempts were made to replicate the experiment. Amid the chaos, the following was heard, followed by magic disappearing again for one minute before returning.

You hear a voice say, "Enough.  We demand silence for one minute."

Adventurers continued to experiment and brainstorm ways to reach the five adventurers, but to no avail.

July 28, 2024: Letters Fly

SGT Tirost Armagna to Sir Madigan De'Mascus

Posted originally by Tirost to [Discord]:

Wild Magic Report - Winter 449 AL

For Sir Madigan De'Mascus, Commander of the Northern Watch and Amlach Urulokie, Marshal of Therengia

Recently, all spellcasters experienced a total loss of attunement. After a few roisaen, attunement returned, but since then all magic uses have been experiencing a variety of effects from swirling mana surges to the temporary cessation of spellcasting accompanied by the sound of breaking glass, and many other abnormalities.

In an attempt to learn more, we met with the Kather hunter Anmuva. He described life as a river, and wild magic as a dam that prevents fresh water arriving from the source. The dragon that is known to the Kather holds mortals responsible; their shaman, the "moon."

Mother Jaelia of Zoluren led several vigils to seek the assistance of the Immortals. During one vigil, darkness began to encroach over our senses until we heard the howl of a wolf, and saw a golden bolt of lightning, whose flash restored our vision. Since that moment, some of the most dire effects of wild magic have subsided. During a later vigil, the clerics present experienced a vision of a Gor'Tog clearing brambles away from a lavender blossom and putting them in a fire.

Later, we were invited by the Moon Mage Otherion to the Planar Observatory. There, we were unable to find the spiritual plane, before a voice told us the name "Liraxes," and told us, "Liraxes assembles itself."
Afterward, Miskton, the Seer of the Ilithi Court, and Vaerek, another lunar mage, searched through the threads of fate with many of us, in an attempt to learn more about wild magic. We experienced many visions, including those that featured oddly created objects, disasters, huge, slug-like entities, and stones, into which burned the first letters of the name "Liraxes," and a hooded figure, who screamed, "Liraxes asserts itself."

Experiments in Zengmodaleth were attempted using othersight, and though we witnessed a reaction from the Holder of Storms, the Grove Scholar Uryutis suggested that what we experienced was likely an effect of wild magic and our experiment, not its cause.

We were eventually able to meet with Commodore Khoheke of House Moglin in Ratha, who oversaw the deployment of Sanyu Aes on the Basalt Isle, and its effect on what we know as the Bulwark. He noted that the Bulwark preserves planar integrity and that it suffered as Jeihrem brought "horrible things" into the space around the Basalt Isle. He went on to speculate wild magic's effect on the Bulwark seems less tied to one specific thing, less one large crack in the protective glass, than many that are smaller. When asked his thoughts on the best way to improve the integrity of the Bulwark, he replied "that perhaps the answer is to limit extraplanar influence and see if the cracks repair."
Most recently experiments were conducted in Arhat's Tower, which resulted in a voice heard to say, "unacceptable," and the disappearance of Ayrell, Dantia, Navesi, Mazrian, and Miskton. The rest of us found ourselves in a prison of magic, with that seemed devoid of space and time. We heard a keening yowl, and noticed a closing rift. We could sense the prison and the rift radiating with quantities of Life, Lunar, and Elemental mana, but when we attempted to escape, we were held back by vines and shadows. Finally, we were released. The sphere which held us collapsed, and we were thrown to the ground in Arhat's Tower with many injuries. Our attempts to find a way to the five who were separated from the rest of the group were met with a demand of silence from an unknown entity, and another severing of attunement, though it was soon restored.

Various methods of contacting those who are missing are being attempted, as well as preparations for a variety of outcomes. I will send an updated report as the situation develops.

Sa mivar morlam.

SGT Tirost Armagna
Second Combat Unit, Northern Watch

Saragos Daerthon to Daervlan eth'Riel

Originally posted by Saragos to [Discord].

Daervlan eth'Riel,
Guardian of the Planes, Lord of the Void, High Lord of the Guild of Warrior Mages,

We've never corresponded, but I'm well sure that you've been aware of our existence.  I believe that we saw your hand protecting us the other day at the Olkan Rae Audrus.  I know that there seems to be some sort of game that we don't quite know the dimensions of, but I'm not here to play games right now.  

As you are probably already aware, many of our most prominent, Navesi, Ayrell, Dantia, Miskton, and Mazrian disappeared during our magical experiments.  A voice told us that the magical research we were doing was, "Unacceptable," and black threads rose from the ground, coalesced into a sphere, and imploded in a no-color flash, bringing us to some sort of Null Prison.  I immediately tried to weave Aether to open a portal around the remains of whatever rift was there, but they then shut off magic saying, "Enough.  We demand silence for one minute."
 
 We are clearly thinking of the Heralds here.
 
 There are rumors that you correspond with them.  If those rumors are true, then I suggest you do so, and get them to talk to us.  Because in the absence of some sort of communication, things may be done that cannot easily be undone.  To make my position clear, I am not willing to be reasonable about this matter, and will gladly cut off my own nose to spite my face if I believe it will bring my wife back.
 
 I suspect that our crowd that opened the portal to Zengmodaleth have occupied a space in your mind as, "knowing just enough to be dangerous."  I think that's true too.
 
 If we are wrong in our suspicions, and should look elsewhere for the source of the kidnapping, then I apologize and hope we can get this matter cleared up promptly.
 
 Sincerely,
 Saragos Daerthon

Sir Madigan De'Mascus to Marshal Amlachl

Originally posted by Madigan to [Discord].

To: Marshal Amlach
From: Sir Madigan De'Mascus, Northern Watch

Topic: SGT Tirost Report - Wild Magic

M'lord, you have SGT Tirost's report and this letter will inform you of the Watch's intended actions regarding the same. Compliments to SGT Tirost for his report and efforts regarding the current situation.

First, whomever took Dantia and Mazrian have no idea the abilities of these two Therengians. I am not overly concerned that Mazrian and Dantia are in mortal danger, although I am annoyed at the inconvenience of losing two extremely talented assets for the upcoming battle I feel is on the horizon.

Second, Second Combat Unit will continue its efforts to unravel who took our Therengians and why. Support Unit will assist as always.

Third, the Bulwark is the domain of the paladins. It is why we exist...I intend to hold a vigil in the Chapel of Theren Keep for any paladins that might wish to attend. Your presence would be most welcome m'lord.

Finally, the Watch intends to bloody kill whomever laid hands on our Members, my Beloved, our Executive Officer and some dear friends. How many turns in the moat is required for a head on a pike above the drawbridge?

Sir Madigan

cc: Watch Officers

(Scribbled along the bottom of the formal report is a personal message to LT Crobin/SGT Tirost 'Keep monitoring the wild magic. Look for clues for who took our Members. Then, we will seek retribution.')

July 28, 2024: Breath of the Heralds Asildu, a Human Scholar

Breath of the Heralds Asildu, a Human Scholar, made their first public appearance at an Overhealers Anonymous meeting. Throughout the discussion he maintained a scholarly demeanor, expressing curiosity about magical concepts and claimed extensive knowledge of the Heralds, but simultaneously avoided giving clear answers to adventurers questions. His main agenda seemed to be to warn against the use of sorcery, which he described as a dangerous "disease" in need of a cure. He would often deflect direct questions, instead steering the conversation back to this point.

When pressed about the missing adventurers, he said he did not have much in the way of details, but suggested that finding a cure for sorcery might lead to finding them, and denied accusations of Herald involvement.

July 28, 2024: Avatar of the Summoning Valenal, Elemental Conduit of Elanthia

Avatar of the Summoning Valenal, Elemental Conduit of Elanthia, was first spotted in the Crossing Empath Courtyard. He appeared nervous and socially awkward, and struggled with social cues. He seems to be knowledgeable about complex magical and metaphysical concepts and believes that there is a dangerous energy imbalance in the Plane of Abiding. He claims that energy is being stolen from the plane in small, discrete amounts thanks to non-sorcerous magic. This outflow is causing magical oddities and worsening effects, and at this rate of drain there is a potential to "break everything." He warned those gathered to be wary of those who speak against sorcery, and urged them to stop whoever is behind the energy theft.

A full log of this interaction is available here, courtesy of Allye.

July 29, 2024: Messenger Miraena, Voice of the Heralds of Elanthia

Messenger Miraena, Voice of the Heralds of Elanthia, made her first appearance just outside the West Gate of Crossing. A simple farmer and messenger from a distant village, she claims to have had a "vision" from the Heralds in which the ultimate disastrous effects of the use of sorcery were made clear to her. She pleaded with the gathered adventurers to cease the use of sorcery for the greater good, including for the safety of her distant village. She appeared naive about city life and somewhat fearful of adventurers, but was determined in her mission. She also gave blue irises to several people, telling them that she had grown them herself and that they would serve as a reminder for who she was trying to save.

July 29, 2024: Conqueror of the Wilds Unaka, Maul of Truffenyi

Conqueror of the Wilds Unaka, Maul of Truffenyi made his first appearance at the Eye of Truffenyi, in the Crossing Temple.

Upcoming Event: July 29, 2024: Investigating the Imbalance in Magic

Paladins have come to the alarming conclusion that there has been a "long-standing and widespread lopsided practice of magic," which is "shaking the Bulwark loose." This imbalance may also be to blame for the variety of other disastrous effects discovered by other Guilds, such as the pressure felt on life mana by Empaths and the decrease in available power felt by Warrior Mages. Adventurers are invited to join Lady of the Watch Dantia to explore the potential sources of this imbalance and discuss ways to restore balance before the scales tip irreparably.

Upcoming Event: July 30, 2024: Wild Seaside Mammoth Ride

All interested are invited to join Shaylynne and Allye for an investigation pertaining to the source of wild magic. Adventurers will board the sea mammoth at Acenamacra Pier, head towards Ratha through Fang Cove, and attempt to question the Merelew driver about any news from their home. Of particular interest will be the leviathans and any impacts or anomalies which may be occurring beneath the ocean. At the least, fun times and good food are promised. Transportation returning from Ratha will be offered by way of ship or gate if a mage and moons are available.

Upcoming Event: August 1, 2024: Paladin Meeting Regarding the Bulwark

Sir Madigan calls to all Paladins to join him in an attempt to reach the five missing adventurers. An attempt will be made to harness holy mana, purify our souls, and repair the Bulwark.

Upcoming Event: August 13, 2024: Beseeching Elanthia to Find

Many adventurers are attempting magical means to find the missing five adventurers. Waydren is calling for other Rangers and Empaths to meet him within Arhat's Tower, in the Workshop where the disappearance took place, in an attempt to commune with Elanthia. Many things in nature are interconnected when you look below the surface, and the same may hold true here as we seek Elanthia's help in piercing the horizon between here and there.