The First Land Herald/449-09-15

Article Number: 88

Dateline: 449-09-15

WILD MAGIC SHIFTS AS IMMORTALS TAKE NOTICE During these times of fluctuation and peculiarities with the mana streams, magic users experienced excruciating nerve pain when using spells. This effect was dubbed "mana burn," and one would quickly have to harness around fifty percent of their passive mana reserves to weaken and survive it. If the pain went ignored, it would sap the individual's vitality, eventually ending in death. Today, we report that after divine intervention, possibly attributed to Meraud and Firulf based on the symbolism, adventurers found themselves free from the suffering of "mana burn" that had been prevalent in the previous weeks. It was a long evening for Elanthians as two meetings took place in one night, the first with the intent to theorize the source of the wild magic disruptions and the second a vigil to make the gods aware of our plight and pray for assistance. At Milene's Rose in Shard, Lady of Elamiri Ayrell graciously hosted an opportunity to share her ideas on the subject and welcomed others' thoughts on the matter. Ayrell began by sharing some details about Kather lore and her theory that if the research on wild magic is correct about something hindering the Font of Creation -- thus causing Divinity to suffer for it -- that perhaps the Immortals themselves could be in danger. A lively discussion ensued, with Avrenka, Tirost, Kethrai, and Dame Elurora, among others, sharing their theories. Otherion declared his intention to lead an expedition to the Planar Observatory and sought brave souls to join him on this perilous quest. During this discussion, an uncomfortable feeling of being watched pervaded the area, eventually fading away as people's breaths caught in their throats. With no other clues to what was happening, the group traveled to the Crossing to attend Mother Jaelia's vigil for Phelim and Peri'el within the grand Temple of the Thirteen. Once again, attendees felt as if a mysterious presence or eyes were observing them. Mother Jaelia encouraged all present to place offerings on various altars as we moved around the temple. As we began placing offerings on Phelim's altar, an odd torsion in the mana streams pervaded the area, which slowly passed. The watchful gaze upon us seemed to fade, but the air took on a honeyed tone and time seemed to slow to a crawl. The ground lurched beneath our feet, throwing us off balance. After a moment the sensation passed, though something felt very wrong. Suddenly the mana streams roiled, rendering their fluctuations utterly incomprehensible. I (Shaylynne, a Ranger) felt myself leaning over the edge of a cliff, incapable of growth or change. A gust of turbulent hot air billowed around the area, while an expanding ring of frost spread around our feet. We smelled burnt sugar and everyone's throat began to sting. There was a sense that the connection to the mana streams was buzzing painfully, and a pounding headache built in my ears, causing them to throb. I squinted against the pain. Darkness encroached around the edges of my vision, erupting with silvery star bursts. I fought against the loss of sight, but everything began to go black! Thoughts on the gwethdesuan channels indicated the sensations were beyond the scope of the vigil itself. The visions painted a nearly identical picture for all, including the sensation of teetering over a precipice, but the specific landscape differed based on one's guild affiliation. As a Ranger, I, Shaylynne, had the distinct vision of an untended cliff incapable of growth or change. Illiya, an Empath, sensed the same barrenness within an abyss. Miskton, a Moon Mage, found himself gazing at the reflection of foreign and silent stars. Traders gazed upon dim and meaningless stars. Lady Elurora, a Paladin, felt devoid of order and nobility, while Clerics felt empty and devoid of the Immortals' grace. Tirost said Warrior Mages felt indistinguishable elements crackling and blurring together, and Mendira reported Bards felt discordant echoes howling without a pattern. Suddenly, a wolf howled in the distance, and a golden lightning bolt forked across the darkness, restoring my vision! The strange quality of the air faded, and the headaches passed. I took a shuddering breath and everything felt a little better. It was after this point that, in time, everyone noticed that mana burn was no longer afflicting us. Mother Jaelia Evensong said, "While there are many within our Community who are strong in faith, others will quickly lose it in times of crisis. Especially when the Immortals do not give us the answers we want when we demand it. I hope going forward, the answers from Meraud and Firulf remind us that the Immortals have expectations too. They do listen and answer. Sometimes those answers are quiet and require patience." We'll continue to keep the community informed as this story -- that feels far from over -- unfolds. Until then, stay safe out there. Shaylynne Kendialahle Reporter of the First Land Herald and Illiya Assistant Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Bard Cleric Crossing Empath Firulf Ilithi Immortals Meraud Milene's Rose Moon Mage Paladin Peri'el Phelim Ranger Shard Temple of Light Trader Warrior Mage Wild Magic Zoluren

Author(s): Shaylynne Illiya