Ayrell/Logs/Wild Magic 09092024/Wild Magic Theory for 'Togs: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "{|class="wikitable" |- | Wild Magic Theory for 'Togs |- | Event Date: 09/09/2024 |- | Event Instance: Prime |} [Asemath Academy, Central Fountain]<br> A fountain gurgles cheerfully somewhere nearby and the scent of plants and flowers fills the night air. You stand in a large open space but you can sense the presence of buildings nearby. You also see Ozursus, an aqueous fissure, a stone seat, a black panther that is sleeping and a white dog that is sleeping. Also h...")
 
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== Date ==

It has been 450 years, 128 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 4th month of Shorka the Cobra in the year of the Golden Panther.


== Log ==


[Asemath Academy, Central Fountain]<br>
[Asemath Academy, Central Fountain]<br>
Line 693: Line 701:


Shaylynne just arrived.
Shaylynne just arrived.

Reriyn goes east.

Ingmak takes a seat near a large fountain.

Aaiyaah grins at Shaylynne.

Shaylynne joins Medir's group.

Aaiyaah hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Valenal says, "I cannot promise to have all the answers."

Shaylynne just hugged Aaiyaah.

Valenal seems to be waiting for something.

Shaylynne hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Ingmak starts to read his journal.

Nawain gives Kerennya a slight nod.

Valenal says, "Well, I COULD.."

Crobin hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Zersha waves to Shaylynne.

Shaylynne hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Gwenddolyn nods to Shaylynne.

Valenal says, "But I won't."

Shaylynne appears calmer than she did a moment ago.

Shaylynne smiles at Zersha.

Allye hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Zersha beams at Allye!

Unaka says, "Good. I don't like empty promises."

Valenal nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ingmak continues reading.

Crobin says, "Or empty tankards."

Illiya leans over to give Shaylynne a friendly smooch.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Aerhys bows to Shaylynne.

Gragnel smirks at Crobin.

Shaylynne waves to Aerilia.

Ingmak continues reading.

Lupdels chuckles.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Shaylynne waves to Aerhys.

Valenal says, "So let us start at the beginning, and work forward."

Saragos exhales some tobacco smoke. A faintly perfumed aroma wafts from a pale lavender plume of smoke, carrying with it the scent of mulled wine.

Tirost grins at Crobin.

Zersha nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Ingmak turns a page in his book.

Ingmak's concentration breaks, and he stops reading.

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Valenal says, "The Plane of Abiding is part of a set of interconnected Planes, each of its own nature."

Ingmak ponders.

Unaka fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Mythologian Aseanaecona just arrived.

Klausette asks Valenal, "In simple terms though, yes?"

Valenal nods to Klausette.

Klausette nods.

Klausette smiles.

Zersha stands near Aerhys.

Zersha leans on Aerhys.

Valenal says, "As simple as I can do."

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Klausette nods to Valenal.

Tirost scans the area briefly.

Valenal says, "The Plane of Abiding is unique in a specific sense."

(Ingmak writes 'Unique' in his journal and underlines it a few times.)

Valenal says, "Only in Abiding do all the various mana frequencies coexist, interact, and mix."

Unaka says to Valenal, "Remember. Small words. If you can."

Zersha furrows her brow.

Aerilia nods.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Valenal says, "Giving rise to the wonderous reality we experience."

Zersha looks at Hebion, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Ingmak fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Allye gazes at Valenal.

Valenal says to Unaka, " If you like, the Plane of Abiding is like a pond, with mana pooling and mixing from streams and other sources."

Kethrai says, "So if the other planes are all different ingredients, the Plane of Abiding is like a stew."

Valenal nods to Kethrai.

Unaka knits her eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown.

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Valenal says, "That is a very apt way to put it."

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese and chews daintily on it.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "You got it right away."

Ingmak glances at Valenal and sweats. He doesn't look scared exactly -- he looks more like he expects Valenal to cause headaches, perhaps by asking Ingmak to do math.

Saragos's silver-foiled cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Valenal says, "The practice of magic produces energy and the energy fills the pond, in this analogy."

Aseanaecona nods at Ingmak, obviously agreeing with his views.

(Ingmak writes 'Magic... pond... stew...' uncertainly in his journal.)

Valenal says, "Pure mana produces a particular quality of energy, in line with its... type, if you like."

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Zersha squints at Valenal.

Tirost gazes at Valenal.

Unaka says, "Hmmm. Quality."

Nevali quirks one ear sideways in confusion.

Kerennya tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Nevali raises her hand.

Unaka asks, "Like it has a kind of flavor to it?"

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "That is a good way to think of it, yes."

Valenal nods.

Perune nods politely to Tirost.

Unaka nods.

Aerilia nods.

Tirost nods to Perune.

Unaka says, "So the pond is kinda like juice."

Ingmak nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha blinks at Unaka.

Nevali asks, "Does mana produce energy just by existin', or does it make energy when you cast with it only? Or little of both?"

Ingmak quietly says to Unaka, "Glad you here to translate."

Unaka grins at Ingmak.

Zersha softly says, "I thought it was stew..."

Zersha gazes off into the distance.

Nawain shakes her head as if clearing it.

(Aseanaecona's stomache starts to growl.)

Unaka says, "Or stew, yeah."

Aseanaecona blushes a deep green color.

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Valenal says, "That is a good question, Nevali. Mana produces energy through moving and being resisted...so the answer is, sort of both."

Valenal nods.

Nevali beams!

Aerhys grins at Aseanaecona, his dimples flashing into view.

Klausette whispers something to Ingmak.

Nevali folds her arms inside the sleeves of her wizard's robes, assuming a sanguine expression.

Ingmak beams at Klausette!

Kethrai quietly says to Zersha, "What is juice if not stew sufficiently processed..."

Zersha gets a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese from inside her beverage holster.

Zersha offers Aseanaecona a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese.

Aseanaecona accepts Zersha's pastry turnover.

Zersha grins at Aseanaecona, her dimples flashing into view.

Aseanaecona beams at Zersha!

Zersha blinks at Kethrai.

Unaka says, "Yeah, I know about moving the mana around to make energy for spells. I do that a lot."

Illiya studies the faces around her.

Allye looks thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Aseanaecona messily gobbles down a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese.

Unaka says, "So each pure mana type has a kind of flavor. Okay. Go on."

Valenal says, "So where were we...juice. The pond is like juice. Pure mana casting produces a certain flavor of juice, or type of juice, if you like."

Ingmak gazes at Unaka in awe.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Field Medic Darkewolff just arrived.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Darkewolff squints.

With a friendly smile, Zynell holds Darkewolff's hand.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "Mixed-mana casting produces a different sort of juice."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Tirost nods.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Mistanna flashes a quick grin at Darkewolff.

Darkewolff winks at Mistanna.

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese and chews daintily on it.

Zersha finishes off her pastry turnover.

Valenal says, "There are two factors that matter, broadly speaking, in preserving the stable...ish...if you squint...system that we live in."

(Ingmak crosses out 'Pond... stew' and writes 'Juice' confidently.)

Aerhys nods at Zersha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerhys nods to Ingmak.

Tirost scratches Aerilia's white dog.

Madigan gazes at Valenal.

Aerhys jots down some notes.

Zersha squints at Valenal.

Valenal says, "One is the level of juice in the...let's call it a bowl."

Aerilia smiles.

(Crobin watches the group but moves to stand next to Sothios his ears turning back and forth listening)

Valenal asks, "And the other is the mixture - how much of each type. Does that make sense so far?"

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Ingmak ponders.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

(Zersha points at Aerhys' notes and whispers, "Write down 'juice bowl.')

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Ingmak gives a slight nod.

Saragos says to Valenal, "Pretty standard, so far."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Kethrai asks, "It's bad if the bowl's too empty, or too full, and it's bad if there's too much of one kind and not another?"

Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu just arrived.

Valenal says, "Just so, Kethrai."

Valenal nods.

Sukidesu just hugged Nawain.

Nawain leans on Sukidesu.

Sukidesu rubs Nawain gently, massaging her muscles.

Unaka slowly says, "Makes sense."

Klausette ponders.

(Aerhys scratches out juice and writes 'layered gelatin dish?')

Ingmak nods to Unaka.

Klausette nods in agreement.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Perune asks, "What is the result of "too full?"

Madigan grunts at Valenal.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Perune says, "I've seen the result of too empty."

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Unaka says, "I feel like every lecture should be in the form of food."

Allye nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Illiya nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aseanaecona nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Nawain gives Unaka a slight nod.

Tirost chuckles at Unaka.

Eyst asks Valenal, "That goes for the mixed juices as well?"

Ingmak chuckles.

Mistanna chuckles.

Madigan grins at Unaka.

Valenal nods to Eyst.

Eyst ponders.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Klausette smiles.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Nevali asks, "Do we need to identify the flavor of each before moving on?"

Unaka asks Perune, "Let's do one thing at a time. Let him finish and then we do bigger questions?"

Aseanaecona says to Eyst, "Party punch."

Madigan grunts at Aaiyaah.

Aaiyaah grins at Madigan.

Lupdels ponders.

Valenal says to Nevali, "Let us continue with the analogy and we can come back."

Unaka says, "Because first I need to hear what all this means about wild magic."

Nevali nods.

Valenal says, "The juice in the cup is actually circulating, all the time."

(Ingmak writes 'Wild magic?' in his journal and circles it, nodding to Unaka.)

Perune folds his arms across his chest.

Nimi ponders.

Valenal says, "Changing density and pressure, creating eddies and tides and such like. It isn't static."

Enchantress Onara just arrived.

Unaka says to Ingmak, "Notebook. Good idea."

Aerilia nods.

(Nimi leans over and attempts to peek at Ingmak's notes.)

Enchantress Onara drifts north.

Zersha quietly says, "Jiggily juice bowl."

Ingmak beams at Unaka!

Valenal says, "And when the level in the glass gets too low, that circulation becomes erratic."

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Allye looks thoughtfully at Valenal.

Enchantress Onara just arrived.

Crobin waves to Onara.

Kethrai frowns thoughtfully.

Onara waves.

Unaka asks, "You know all this for fact? Or this is more like your guess?"

Shaylynne whispers something to Allye.

Shaylynne nods to Allye.

Enchantress Onara drifts east.

Illiya snuggles up to Melindrha.

Zersha looks at Melindrha, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Ingmak pets a coppery saluki puppy flaunting a goldenglow glaes collar and jadeleaf snood.

The saluki puppy looks up at him with big, adoring eyes and wags its tail gently.

Valenal says, "This is a conjecture, but one I think is well b ased."

Valenal nods.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Allye ponders.

Allye nods to Shaylynne.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Valynn casually observes the area.

Unaka says to Valenal, "Conjecture is just a long word for guess."

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Valenal.

Shaylynne chortles softly at some secret joke.

Tirost looks at Unaka, obviously trying not to grin.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal dryly says, "It's like a smart guess."

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia smiles.

Valenal says, "What we experience as Wild Magic is that erraticness."

War Healer Misteeus just arrived.

Unaka asks, "So wild magic... is when the juice, or the pond, gets too low?"

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Zersha looks at Aerhys, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Ingmak asks, "Wait, who drinking juice?"

Unaka nods.

Marienn eloquently asks, "So who put a hole in the bowl?"

Aerhys chuckles at Zersha.

Ingmak rubs his head.

Tirost says to Ingmak, "The ultimate question.."

Tirost smiles at Ingmak.

Illiya nods.

Lupdels shifts his weight.

Madigan nods to Tirost.

Valenal says, "Yes. Imagine the water in the pond normally flows back and forth, with plenty of clearance. But if it gets too low, it starts to froth and surge among the rocks on the bottom."

Ingmak blinks at Tirost.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Klausette ponders.

Unaka asks, "So why are these Herald messengers saying not to do sorcery? Does that have something to do with the pond level?"

Gwenddolyn leans against a large fountain.

Darkewolff smirks to himself.

Valenal says, "It is a bit more complicated. It has to do with the mixture."

Saragos says, "That makes sense. Early on, we were theorizing about mana being "swollen", but a blockage happening due to waning levels could also achieve that."

Valenal nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Ingmak gazes at his journal.

Valenal asks, "The juice in the glass is like JUICE. It's energy if you can use it, right?"

Valenal says, "If you run, you drink some juice and you can run further."

Ingmak rubs his head.

Ingmak nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka says, "Sure. I use juice all the time."

Aerilia nods.

Valenal says, "If you're playing a long hard round of togball, you might drink lots of juice."

Klausette nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha furrows her brow.

Ingmak beams!

Ingmak nods in agreement.

Valenal asks, "Make sense?"

Nimi nods to Valenal.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods.

Aseanaecona ponders.

Aseanaecona nods to Valenal.

Ingmak adjusts his togball jersey into place.

Gragnel folds his arms across his chest.

Klausette beams at Darkewolff!

Tirost takes a sip of his wine.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Kethrai gazes thoughtfully at Valenal.

Zersha looks at Hebion, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Valenal says, "Alright. What has been happening for several years, and which has accelerated recently, is that someone or something is drawing a LOT of juice."

Ingmak frowns.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Zersha gazes at Valenal.

Lupdels nods.

Aerilia nods.

Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Unaka asks, "Too much juice. Not enough for us, I guess?"

Valenal says, "Much more than the juice...generation...in the system can sustain."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Aerilia frowns in thought.

Klausette grins at Crobin.

Zynell gets a tiny spun sugar fae from inside her encompassing shadows.

Hebion begins chortling at Zersha.

Zynell offers Crobin a tiny spun sugar fae.

(Ingmak starts to doodle an image of togball players around a big bowl of juice in his journal.)

Unaka furrows her brow.

Crobin accepts Zynell's sugar fae.

Illiya joins Medir's group.

Klausette smiles at Ingmak.

Crobin chuckles.

Valenal says, "Simply put, but yes. Imagine squeezing a bag to get the last bit of juice out."

Crobin takes a bite of the fae.

Medir smiles at Illiya.

Valenal says, "Or sucking it through a straw, I suppose."

Sukidesu says, "Ew, bag juice..."

Crobin takes a bite of the fae.

Nimi asks, "What kinda juice they drinking?"

Zersha quietly says to Nimi, "Good question."

Nimi blushes a deep green color.

Nawain gives Saragos a slight nod.

Medir opens his linen khandur.

Valenal says, "That's the interesting thing. I spoke earlier about how pure casting and sorcerous casting generate different types of juice."

Unaka says, "Shhh. Nothing wrong with bag juice."

Zersha nods to Valenal.

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Sukidesu looks at Unaka, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in his cheeks give him away.

Medir gets an elegant diamondwood wand adorned with myriad lively etchings from inside his linen khandur.

Medir dances the diamondwood wand through a convoluted series of gestures. A generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch appears in his left hand!

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Medir puts his wand in his linen khandur.

Medir closes his linen khandur.

Medir moves a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch to his right hand.

Ingmak gets a battered togball manual bound in punka leather from inside his student's satchel.

Ingmak studies the cover of a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Valenal says, "They behave differently, and as it turns out, it seems whoever is drawing so much juice can only utilize one type."

Ingmak carefully opens a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Valenal says, "The pure type."

Ingmak's face scrunches in frustration as he reads his togball manual, repeatedly mouthing the words to himself.

Allye frowns.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Unaka nods.

Madigan glances at Valenal.

Unaka says, "Okay. So the mixed type tastes bad to them."

Tirost lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Medir tilts his head to one side.

Gwenddolyn says, "Indeed."

Melindrha asks, "So do we poison the pure juice?"

Crobin angles his ears forward in curiosity.

Zynell grins mischievously at Melindrha.

Valenal says, "Tastes bad, or they can't process it."

Zersha gnaws on her lip.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka fixes Melindrha with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Aerilia nods.

Mistanna says to Melindrha, "We still need some for ourselves, I think."

Gwenddolyn says, "So it weakens them."

Unaka slowly says to Melindrha, "You. Remember that."

Aerilia says, "Liraxes wasn't sure if they can't or simply won't use the.. sorcerous juice."

Casari says, "So... we need to fill up the pure part so it doesn't empty completely."

Casari tilts her head to one side.

Valenal ponders.

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Illiya says, "Or we need to kill the entity that's drinking it."

Melindrha ponders.

Valenal nods to Illiya.

Zersha asks, "Or both?"

Gwenddolyn nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Melindrha says, "Or poke holes in the straw."

Aerilia nods to Illiya.

Tirost nods to Illiya.

War Healer Misteeus goes east.

Medir grins at Melindrha.

Eyst says, "The mixed juice is able to make up for the lack of pure juice? I thought imbalance in the different types of juice created its own problems."

Madigan nods to Illiya.

Allye nods to Melindrha.

Unaka asks, "Well, wait, who is drinking which juice?"

Ingmak ponders togball

Melindrha says, "Big bad evil guy drinking tasty mana juice that fills the casting stew."

Ingmak stares blankly into the distance.

Medir chuckles at Ingmak.

Valenal says to Unaka, "I believe the Heralds are the ones trying to drink the Pure Juice."

Gwenddolyn nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Black Fox Xionara just arrived.

Shaylynne asks, "Do they have a flavor preference?"

Xionara rubs her eyes.

Allye furrows her brow.

Zersha grins at Shaylynne, her dimples flashing into view.

Nevali asks, "Why?"

Gwenddolyn says, "Holy."

Aerilia says, "Or one of their creations."

Unaka says, "They like pure juice, so they're saying no sorcery. Okay."

Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Aerilia nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Valenal says, "Based on their...ahh...very spirited intervention in response to several sorcerous casting events."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Kethrai asks, "If different types of ma... juice, naturally mix in this bowl... Why would using sorcery create a different kind of juice? If you use elemental and holy, say... Wouldn't that just add more elemental and holy... juice?"

Xionara smiles at Valenal.

Ingmak blinks.

Ingmak gently closes a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Gwenddolyn says, "They don't separate as pure when woven together."

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Valenal asks Kethrai, "Mmm. You are an Empath, sir. Are you perhaps also an Alchemist?"

Melindrha asks, "Have you ever made a stew where you needed to add both beef and veggie broth in order to make something tasiter than it would be alone?"

Kethrai nods to Valenal.

Medir says, "So the Heralds don' like to mix drinks -- is what I'm gettin' here. Bad hangovers."

Zersha grins at Aerhys, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal nods to Kethrai.

Aerhys grins at Medir, his dimples flashing into view.

Melindrha grins at Medir.

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Unaka nods to Medir.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "You're an alchemist?"

Nawain smirks at Medir.

Ingmak puts his manual in his student's satchel.

Klausette twiddles her thumbs.

Valenal says, "Often, the way you mix your ingredients matters."

Sukidesu asks, "It would just be a cocktail, wouldn't it? Two or more juices in one drink?"

Kethrai says to Tirost, "After a fashion."

Ingmak fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal says, "To the final product."

Tirost smiles at Kethrai.

Zersha rubs her head.

Medir gazes at his scotch.

Valenal says, "I believe that is the case here."

Aerilia nods.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Mistanna says, "I think when more than one juice at a time is used, it has a sort of chemical reaction, and is actually a different juice."

Melindrha says to Medir, "Fancy pain in the rump layered drink."

Xionara nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Medir nods at Melindrha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka nods to Mistanna.

Gwenddolyn says, "So the key is finding who is stealing the pure mana."

Shaylynne nods to Mistanna.

Lupdels flips open the lid on his mahogany tankard.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Valenal ponders.

War Healer Misteeus just arrived.

Saragos asks Valenal, "So you seem to be saying the prohibitions on Sorcery exist mostly to benefit them. Ok. Do you have any theories as to why we can only attune to one mana type naturally, and why manipulating streams we are not attuned to requires irrational thoughts and negative states of mind?"

Aerhys chuckles at Zersha.

Unaka says, "Valenal thinks it is the Heralds drinking the pure ju-- mana."

Kethrai asks, "And why do you think the mana-thief isn't drinking the sorcery juice? I don't mean... why wouldn't they. I mean, what evidence says that they aren't?"

Gwenddolyn nods to Unaka.

Gwenddolyn says, "I do also."

Ingmak studies the faces around him.

Melindrha asks Saragos, "Ever put on someone else's well-worn boots?"

Xionara softly says, "Liraxes said."

Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Madigan asks Valenal, "Forgive the basic question, but why do we care? As soon as our people are back and the Clans are free, why do I give two flips if the Heralds drink pure mana?"

Melindrha says, "Make the feet hurt. Can still walk in em, but toes hate you."

(Ingmak stares at his journel and then slowly writes 'Juice = Mana?'.)

Klausette asks, "So what happens if whoever it is, stops getting pure mana? What happens to them?"

Kethrai blinks at Madigan.

Valenal says to Madigan, "Ah, that is agood question. They are all good questions, but let me field that one first."

Gwenddolyn says, "They weaken and die."

Saragos nods to Madigan.

Madigan bows to Valenal.

Klausette asks, "Can Heralds die?"

Xionara softly says, "Likely."

Klausette blushes a bright red color.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Well, if it is the Heralds... their messengers have said not to do sorcery. And I heard one of them got real, uh, hurt? During that sorcery party."

Xionara nods at Gwenddolyn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha glances at Unaka.

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Perune says, "After killing Maelshyve I must assume anything can be killed."

Sukidesu leans on Nawain.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "But one of the reasons we're assuming it's the Heralds is because the thief isn't drinking sorcery. That's a circle."

Unaka gazes at Perune with a grim look on her face.

Klausette shifts her weight.

Sukidesu nods to Nawain.

Valenal says, "Normally, you wouldn't care. If the system were chugging along and they were draining whatever they normally do, there would be no issue. But they are pulling so much energy that eventually there will not be enough to sustain all of this."

(Valenal gestures around him.)

Unaka fixes Kethrai with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "You're right. Don't want circles. Hmmm."

Medir asks, "They will drink th'keg dry?"

Madigan asks, "So, the reason we care is if they take all the raw mana, then Elanthia is in jeopardy?"

Lupdels asks Valenal, "And your studies lead you to believe it's just about the juice being drained, there haven't been any problems with ... ah juice being squeezed?"

Nevali says, "It would be good to draw up two different theories, where one considers the thief is the Heralds, and the other theory considers the thief is another entity. Branching theories."

Medir nods.

Illiya says to Medir, "You should offer the thirsty Herald something else to drink."

Valenal says, "The Heralds are literally draining the system dry. And when there is too little juice to sustain it, reality will collapse."

Perune says, "If you have no mana, we're doomed, yes."

Lupdels nods to Nevali.

Shaylynne nods to Illiya.

Valenal nods to Madigan.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Zersha quietly asks Kethrai, "What if it's a Herald but not The Heralds, the one that was in the null prison maybe?"

Unaka says, "That part does make sense."

Gwenddolyn says, "No mana means no magic."

Madigan nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods to Perune.

Allye asks Valenal, "Why would they be draining the system dry after everything staying relatively balanced for so long?"

Lupdels nods to Zersha.

Shaylynne says to Medir, "Maybe they've never had your scotch."

Valenal says, "That is the crux of the issue."

Perune says, "But don't the Heralds have an interest in the stability of this plane? They seem to want it to remain filled with Life."

Lupdels nods to Allye.

Shaylynne says to Medir, "You could be saving the world."

Kethrai quietly says to Zersha, "That honestly seems like the most likely to me."

Melindrha grins at Shaylynne.

Medir observes Shaylynne with fascination.

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Do you think it is possible to do away completely with the Pure juice and just fill the pool with the mixed juice?"

Perune says, "Sorry, I meant the Geralds. Can't even keep the joke going."

Medir gazes up at the sky.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Can we be certain that this is the Heralds, plural, and not one very hungry individual?"

Tirost asks Valenal, "So we have two options? Either fill the glass with sorcerous juice, or eliminate that which is consuming all the pure juice?"

Valenal says, "I'm sorry, please, too many question."

Gwenddolyn says, "They want it to be filled with their life, not ours."

Allye nods to Valenal.

Saragos asks Valenal, "Are you saying the Heralds have always been draining the system dry, and the levels are just now low enough to notice the effects, or has something else happened more recently?"

(Nawain's tired eyes sweep the room as the questions pile up. She sighs and takes another deep drink of her keg.)

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Aerilia says, "Let's give him some space."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Ingmak rubs his head.

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara shakes her head.

Melindrha says, "I like the plane of abiding. It's where I keep my dresses."

Unaka quietly says to Valenal, "Yeah, I like to go slow too. It's okay."

Zersha grins at Melindrha, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan quietly says, "If he starts glowing, best to scatter until we can put him down."

Zersha nods at Melindrha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal says, "Taking these in no particular order, and I do not mean to skip anyone."

Crobin asks, "There is enough room there MEli?"

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Madigan.

Xionara softly says, "Heralds not drain system dry. Heralds exist with system... sym-bi-o-tic-ly."

Melindrha shoves futilely at Crobin.

Tirost nods to Madigan.

Xionara gnaws on her lip.

Xionara gestures at Valenal.

Kethrai nods to Xionara.

Illiya grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara covers her mouth with her hand.

Madigan says to Gwenddolyn, "I am not joking actually. He blew up before."

Valenal says to Saragos, "Here I have to engage in some conjecture, beccause obviously I haven't had very long to observe, in the grand scheme of things."

Ingmak fixes Madigan with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Crobin chuckles.

Ingmak glances at Valenal.

Xionara gazes at Valenal.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Valenal says, "It is likely that a certain background level of drain has been happening at least as long as magic has been a thing."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Eyst says to Allye, "I too wonder what their motive would be. They seem to be the best fit of the obvious choices, but then none of the obvious choices seems to have a motive to do what is being done."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Tirost smiles at Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "And perhaps before that, because the mere movement of mana does generate some energy."

Nawain grinds her teeth.

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Zynell nods to Gragnel.

Gragnel just left.

Xionara nods.

Darkewolff nods.

Aaiyaah whispers something to Tirost.

Valenal says, "So they very well could have been harvesting some off the top to use for...whatever they use it for."

Sukidesu rubs Nawain gently, massaging her muscles.

Allye nods at Eyst, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "And without causing any particular ill effects."

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "The immediate problem is that they are drawing a LOT."

Gwenddolyn shifts her weight.

Unaka asks, "But then they got really thirsty?"

Zersha nods to Allye.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Valenal says, "Yes."

Aerilia nods.

Unaka nods.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Casari says, "Seems like we still need to know why they need more now."

Medir asks, "More than normal?"

Mistanna pets the black dog.

Medir nods.

Klausette asks, "Did they get more thirsty or are more people using other forms of mana?"

Unaka says, "So. They got thirsty, drank even more, juice got low -- wild magic."

Ezerak nods at Casari, obviously agreeing with her views.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Dasheek leans on Illiya.

Valenal says, "Much more than normal. None of us knows what the actual age of the Plane is, but consider that the instability we're seeing has taken just a few years to appear and just a few months to accelerate."

Gwenddolyn says, "So more sorcery means less pure mana."

Crobin shakes Dasheek's hand.

Illiya smiles at Dasheek, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Xionara frowns.

Medir sighs.

Dasheek joins Medir's group.

Valynn furrows her brow.

Ingmak says, "Maybe they having togball game."

Nawain clenches her applewood keg tightly until her knuckles go white.

Xionara begins chortling at Ingmak.

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Medir takes a sip of his scotch.

Nimi blinks at Ingmak.

Lupdels chuckles.

Valenal says, "To Aaiyaah's point, and to another point that was raised, Sorcery can replace energy...to a point..."

Valenal says, "But that is a short-term solution. The mix of juices is also important."

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Aseanaecona says something in Toggish.

Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south.

Kethrai asks, "But more sorcery also means the plane is more porous. Wouldn't that allow more... juice, to leak? Or, maybe even more important, for someone to stick a straw through and start drinking?"

Peace Keeper Vaddon just arrived.

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Aseanaecona.

Nimi nods to Aseanaecona.

Ingmak nods at Aseanaecona, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal says, "To an extent. Imagine you have a...call it a priority list of problems."

Valenal says, "First problem - there is going to be no juice and we all die."

Medir cringes.

Madigan nods to Valynn.

Dasheek nods to Crobin.

Dasheek shakes Crobin's hand.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Ingmak exclaims, "Die?!"

Ingmak widens his eyes like a lunatic.

Klausette ponders.

Valenal says, "I mean, or whatever happens when reality collapses."

Unaka pats Ingmak on the back.

Valenal says, "I suppose you can't die if you don't actually exist."

Illiya grins at Ingmak, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal ponders.

Darkewolff grins slowly.

Aerilia says, "Probably death. Reasonable guess."

Valenal says to himself, "Do NOT get started on that one..."

Zersha blinks at Valenal.

Aerilia furrows her brow.

Medir nods in agreement.

Ruthgar just left.

Gwenddolyn says, "No mana, no raising the dead."

Perune says, "You do, just not in the form as intended."

Perune says, "Very interesting death."

Valynn glances at Valenal.

Klausette fidgets nervously.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "Anyhow, that is the first problem. The second problem is the mix of juices needs to be right."

Lupdels blinks.

Valenal says, "Right within a range, at least."

Darkewolff reaches down and rubs Klausette's back.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Unaka asks, "Balanced?"

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Valenal says, "Balanced...ish."

Dawnsworn Briaen goes east.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Valenal nods to Aaiyaah.

Valynn idly picks at a forest shroud dyed in mottled shades of green and brown.

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Crobin smiles at Valynn.

Aaiyaah asks Unaka, "In the vision from Meraud....do you believe he was trying to show us how to weave the four streams so that we could fill the pool and empower the Immortals?"

Zersha asks Valenal, "But didn't you tell us to do more sorcery? You're now saying that it's taking the pure mana casting, which should mean we need to do more of that to right the balance? Or am I confused?"

Tirost whispers something to Kethrai.

Valenal ponders.

Zersha says, "I should say that I know I'm confused but..."

Zersha chortles softly at some secret joke.

Gwenddolyn says, "He used golden mana, which is holy."

Zersha glances quickly around, looking confused.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Unaka asks, "Maybe the sorcery is better at filling up the cup?"

Valenal says to Zersha, "The answer is complicated but breaks down to this, in my view....basically that, yes."

Valenal grins at Unaka.

Valenal says, "That is very astute."

Unaka says to Aaiyaah, "That sounds like a pretty good guess to me."

Dasheek nods to Crobin.

Eyst says to Valenal, "This begins to make sense. One will perish without food. One may extend that by eating only bread, but he will not be in rude health for long."

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "That and maybe the Heralds are at odds with the Immortals and they need our help. Perhaps Meraud was trying to show us how to help them."

Ruthgar just arrived.

Shaylynne scratches her head.

Valenal says, "Since the Heralds can't use the sorcerous juice, it actually stays in the cup."

Medir ponders.

Valenal nods at Eyst, obviously agreeing with his views.

Zersha says, "But the balance will still be off."

Urbaj says, "We need to keep the pond filled. We simply can't manage that with pure mana, because something is guzzling it. So we do it with sorcery, in the short term, until we find out what's guzzling it. Then we go back to a more reasonable mix. Some sorcery, some pure."

Valenal says, "That is an apt analogy."

Unaka fixes Aaiyaah with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Tirost asks Unaka, "But would it be best to have both? Sorcerous and pure mana casting - just without anything guzzling the juice?"

Valenal nods to Urbaj.

Unaka slowly says to Aaiyaah, "You may be right."

Kethrai whispers something to Tirost.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "We need to rid the Heralds from the use of the pool completely in my humble opinion."

Casari says, "People are going to feel pretty silly if they upset the Heralds by taking away their juice, and then it turns out the Heralds needed it to deal with something even worse."

Unaka says to Tirost, "That sounds pretty good to me too."

Valenal says to Zersha, "Correct. And long-term that will be a problem. But short term, we don't all die."

Zersha gives Valenal a slight nod.

Zersha grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Unaka gives Aaiyaah a slight nod.

Lupdels nods to Casari.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Valenal ponders.

Medir asks, "We might jus' die more spectacularly in the future?"

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Aerilia says to Casari, "Their methods are still disgusting even if that is the case."

Ingmak closes his leather-bound journal.

Xionara softly says, "Much as suspected."

Valenal wryly says to Unaka, "Sorcery is like if stew piled up in the cup, filling it with less juice. But it's still full."

Zersha says, "Then really it sounds like we need to find out what is taking the mana and deal with that, otherwise it's just going to keep getting worse."

Ingmak pats a thick leather-bound journal stamped with the insignia of Asemath Academy.

Valenal nods to Zersha.

Casari says to Aerilia, "Oh, yeah, they're horrible at public relations and strategy."

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Valenal.

Valenal says, "I suspect that is correct."

Shaylynne grins at Dasheek.

Valenal exclaims to Medir, "And maybe!"

(Nawain sighs and collects her saluki puppy from the fountain before returning to lurking on the edges of the gathering.)

Nawain puts her keg in her slender rugursora.

Crobin smiles at Nawain.

Medir mumbles something under his breath.

Valenal asks Saragos, "Sir, you had a very good question that I did not answer at the time. Could you please repeat it?"

Unaka says to Valenal, "So, we do sorcery, make a lot more, uh, stew. Fill the cup up faster."

Valenal says, "I apologize that I have not been able to answer everything as it has come to me."

Valenal bows.

Trajan says, "I think that poisoning the punch, or appeasing the punch thief, or thieves, are both bandage solutions."

Crobin ponders cup of stew

Valenal says to Unaka, "Yes, more or less."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Zersha says to Valenal, "I think you're doing very well considering how fast we all talk and there are a lot more of us than you."

Saragos asks Valenal, "Do you know enough of the entities siphoning off the mana to know if there's a... middle ground of Sorcerous casting that will effectively poison the well entirely for them, while leaving the world still safe and habitable for us?"

Lourpicon goes east.

Zersha grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan grins at Aaiyaah.

Unaka asks Aaiyaah, "You think maybe that's close to what Meraud was saying?"

Aaiyaah grins at Madigan.

Valenal ponders.

Ingmak puts his journal in his student's satchel.

Ingmak lies down.

Ingmak glances up at the sky.

Professor of Medicine Bawb just arrived, leading his group.

Unaka gets a baked ham sandwich from inside her haversack.

Aaiyaah nods to Unaka.

Unaka offers Ingmak a baked ham sandwich.

Ingmak sits up.

Valynn gazes at Ingmak.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "I do."

Ingmak blinks at Unaka.

Ingmak accepts Unaka's ham sandwich.

Saragos says to Valenal, "And yes, I'll loop back to that question, my apologies for throwing out another."

Klausette gazes thoughtfully at Zynell.

Valynn gives a half-hearted grin.

Zersha glances at Allye.

Ingmak beams!

Unaka says to Ingmak, "Food always helps."

Darkewolff nods to Zynell.

Gwenddolyn says, "I think Meraud showed us where the missing five were, and told us that something was drinking the holy mana."

Allye looks thoughtfully at Zersha.

Ingmak nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Klausette scratches her head.

Kethrai asks, "Frankly I still want to know why you don't think the mana-thief drinks sorcery. Wild magic occurs both with pure and sorcerous casting. It seems like it's able to consume it either way?"

Valenal says to Saragos, "I suspect the entities...the Heralds, I think, but we can say entities for now... are in a fight. And a fairly desperate one. They are grabbing as much energy as they can. Focusing on balance now would likely not work."

Klausette shakes her head at Darkewolff.

Xionara frowns.

Valenal says, "Beacuse they'll just grab more of what they can use."

Unaka nods to Kethrai.

Medir ponders.

Crobin nods to Darkewolff.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Do you think this machine taking votes, that steals all of your mana when you vote, is a trick by the heralds to get our mana directly?"

Valenal leans over and scratches Valynn's back.

Valenal scratches his head.

Illiya says, "The machine was made by Liraxes.."

Valenal glances at Gwenddolyn.

Valenal edges away from Gwenddolyn.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "Quite frankly, it seemed by listening to Asildu, that the Heralds are upset with the Immortals for not making us fill up the pool fast enough for them...to forbid us of mixed juice.....the Immortals seem to be fine using either juice type...but the Heralds are the only ones harming us with meteors, not the Immortals."

Trajan says to Valynn, "I have a question, once others have been answered."

Valynn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna just arrived.

Trajan blinks.

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "I don't think wild magic effects are the manifestion of the energy being stolen, just a symtom of the erraticness he described from the low levels of energy."

Trajan says to Valenal, "I have a question, once others have been answered."

Valynn raises an eyebrow.

Trajan says to Valynn, "Pardon."

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Trajan coughs.

Nevali carefully asks, "Seems like it would be a good idea to try and get the Gods and the Heralds to stop their squabbles, make up as family, and work together... can we prove to them that whatever happens, that we're worth keeping around?"

Unaka nods to Aaiyaah.

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Crobin chuckles.

Casari asks, "So, best case scenario, the Immortals are currently usurping the Heralds' place? And then, what... the Immortals win and end up busy dealing with whatever the Heralds usually do? Or worst case, that something else they're fighting becomes our problem directly?"

Valenal says to Gwenddolyn, "They don't need to do that. I'm not sure why they would."

Danger Wizard Dasheek strolls north.

(Sukidesu messes with the wolf ears on his hat and wiggles them a little, just standing near Nawain and paying a bare minimum of attention)

Melindrha says to Nevali, "Oh honey, you never want people to act like family."

Tirost nods to Aerilia.

Unaka says to Aerilia, "Yeah, you've got it I think."

Nawain shakes her head as if clearing it.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Valynn gives Trajan a slight nod.

Dasheek joins Medir's group.

Zersha furrows her brow.

Xionara smirks at Melindrha.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Xionara nods in agreement.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Illiya flashes a quick grin at Melindrha.

Crobin pats Sukidesu on the back.

Aerilia nods.

Zersha gives Allye a half-hearted grin.

Valenal asks Saragos, "Did I answer your question sufficiently?"

Kethrai asks, "Then if not the wild magic effects, how do we know what is being stolen when?"

Saragos asks Valenal, "You answered my other question, so I'll loop back to the one you didn't. Do you have any theories as to why we can only attune to one mana type naturally, and why manipulating streams we are not attuned to requires irrational thoughts and negative states of mind?"

Sukidesu grins at Crobin, his dimples flashing into view.

Lupdels ponders.

Madigan adjusts his half plate.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Ingmak fixes Saragos with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Crobin nods to Sukidesu.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Zersha grins sheepishly at Hebion.

Nevali says, "Sorcery... requires irrational thoughts? That explains SO MUCH about people."

Unaka asks Saragos, "Does that have something to do with wild magic you think?"

A Human peasant wanders into the area.

Dasheek nods to Illiya.

Gwenddolyn says, "I was standing there, not casting magic and my mana replenishing bracelet started flaring, so something was draining my mana."

Gwenddolyn nods to Kethrai.

Klausette looks at Zynell, obviously trying not to grin.

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "By observing the system as a whole, I'd say. We can reasonably tell the energy is being depleted without seeing each instance of it being stolen."

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Valenal says, "I am speculating here, but with a certain amount of justification, I believe."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Klausette grins at Darkewolff.

Nawain narrows her eyes.

Perune says, "It ultimately contributes to our inability to produce vast quantities of the mixed juice."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Klausette smiles.

Saragos says to Unaka, "I think it's relevant because Valenal seems to be saying that the prohibitions on Sorcery are mostly manufactured by the Heralds' needs. Ok, I'm willing to buy that, but the need for irrational thought implies there might be other reasons that it would be bad."

Crobin produces a muffled snap with the pads of his furry fingers.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Professor of Medicine Bawb goes east, leading his group.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "If we have something else other than the Heralds draining the pool, we then must find a way to get the Heralds and the Immortals to work together instead of being at odds to show us who or what it is. That way we can together find the solution and hammer that nail."

Xionara nods to Malorna.

Gwenddolyn nods to Nawain.

Perune says, "Though I admit this is the first time I've heard anyone so concerned with spell energy itself, rather than mana."

Zersha nods to Aaiyaah.

Kethrai asks Aerilia, "But Valenal's entire argument rests on the mana-thief drinking pure mana but not sorcery. How do we KNOW that's true? Why does he even think that's true?"

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "There is a lot more going on in reality than what we perceive. I...ahh...sort of tapped into that first hand, in my way."

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Unaka slowly says to Aaiyaah, "I think we just make the Heralds stop. However we can."

Forgiven Numinor just arrived.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Aaiyaah nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Numinor joins Xionara's group.

Aaiyaah says, "Then lets make it so. Poison the well. Or in this case, the pool."

Tirost says to Kethrai, "There are visions from the Immortals, and the spires presumably would take a lot of energy that must come from something."

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Nawain.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "I think it's a good question. Save it and ask when he is ready."

Valynn gives Aaiyaah a half-hearted grin.

Valenal says, ""Natural" is probably not the righ word to use for the methods used to attune people now."

Madigan asks, "Unaka, your first message to us was to not trust all the messengers. Why do you trust what Crazy Val is saying?"

Malorna beams!

Madigan raises an eyebrow in Unaka's direction.

Kethrai nods to Unaka.

Mistanna asks Aaiyaah, "Wouldn't that poison all of us?"

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "That's a good question. I'd assume it's based on long term observations, but I'd like to hear answer too."

Numinor leans against a large fountain.

Gwenddolyn leans forward.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Madigan gazes at Unaka.

Trajan says, "Valenal isn't exactly a messenger."

Medir scratches his head.

Aaiyaah says to Mistanna, "I have faith in Meraud. We can find a way to do this without poisoning us all."

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Valenal says, "Rather, we have some methods that reliably work and so we use them. But those methods lock us into rather limited ways of perceiving what we're doing."

Casari says, "Well, he's under the influence of extraplanar creatures."

Unaka says to Madigan, "Yeah, good point. I don't, exactly. But it got to the point that I had to do something, to try to learn something. And I really don't trust those Herald messengers."

Mistanna nods in agreement.

Saragos nods to Aaiyaah.

Trajan says, "He at least doesn't seem to be representing any being."

Numinor examines a gold medallion symbolizing dedication to Truffenyi.

Gwenddolyn nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gwenddolyn says, "Neither do I."

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Kethrai says to Trajan, "Well, he's representing his Elemental passengers, sometimes..."

Madigan says to Unaka, "I don't trust them either. But, I have also seen this one go crazy and blow up people...just on a smaller scale. We have no way to verify what he is saying."

Valenal says to Saragos, "There are other ways to attune and those are not less "natural" than what the guilds do now. They're just a lot more dangerous and less sparing of the subject."

Unaka nods to Madigan.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Medir ponders.

Saragos says to Valenal, "Ok, fair."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "He doesn't represent a cause, and isn't requesting anything, though."

Unaka asks Madigan, "Don't we? Can we do whatever it is he did?"

Unaka scratches her head.

Saragos says to Valenal, "I'd also like to ask the questions in the letter I wrote you, if you've got the space for it. They're related to the research I'm doing to try to rescue our missing people. I also don't want to monopolize your time, though."

Nevali pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Kethrai gazes silently at Valenal.

Valenal says, "Let me take some others. I will stay as long as I can."

Klausette smiles at Nevali.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Zersha frowns thoughtfully down at her hands.

Unaka says to Valenal, "Kethrai had a good one."

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Aerilia nods.

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Valenal says, "Trajan is, essentially, correct. I am...basically an observer and a translator, if you like, for beings that otherwise don't have a good grasp of what is going on in Abiding but who are affected by it."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Valenal bows to Kethrai.

Valenal asks, "Would you please repeat your question, Kethrai?"

Lupdels nods to Valenal.

Kethrai asks Valenal, "Your proposed solution to the problem is based on the idea that the mana-thief is able or willing to steal pure mana, but not sorcery. What makes you think that's the case? How do you know what kind of mana is being stolen, and that sorcery isn't?"

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Xionara glances up at the sky.

Crobin nods to Darkewolff.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Ingmak dusts himself off.

Gwenddolyn asks, "We all sensed an interplanar entity in the area by where Liraxes built the machine, is that what that mana stealing entity was?"

Saragos nods to Kethrai.

Tirost smiles at Aaiyaah.

Saragos says to Kethrai, "Good one."

Nimi takes a sip of her coffee.

Ezerak doffs his top hat.

Ezerak hugs Maraisel, and she wraps her arms around him with a warm smile.

Ezerak waves to Casari.

Valynn quietly says to herself, "Beings that otherwise don't have a good grasp of what is going on in Abiding but who are affected by it."

Mountain Lord Ezerak swaggers east.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Several clues point in that direction, I believe. First, there is a VERY small (at least, I hope so) set of entities that would be capable of harvesting energy in this way."

Trajan asks, "He said that when all the pure mana is syphoned off, it leaves the mixed mana frothing around the rocks at the bottom of the pond, aye?"

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Trajan asks, "Which causes... turbulance?"

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valynn's direction.

Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south.

Kethrai nods to Valenal.

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Kethrai says, "Granted..."

Melindrha says, "If the regular amount of juice isn't covering the mixed juice."

Melindrha mutters to herself.

Sukidesu leans to his left slightly.

Sukidesu leans to his right slightly.

Zersha gives Allye a slight nod.

Melindrha says, "So this confirms to me that I need to stir the pot."

Valynn gets a thin diary bound in suede from inside her forest shroud.

Valynn unlatches and opens her thin diary.

Madigan smiles at Melindrha.

Gwenddolyn grins at Melindrha, her dimples flashing into view.

Medir ponders.

Sukidesu nods to Nawain.

Aerhys grins at Melindrha, his dimples flashing into view.

Valynn jots down some notes.

Illiya says to Melindrha, "As if you stopped."

Melindrha laughs!

Valynn closes her thin diary, hooking back the latch.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Second, we know the level of juice in the glass has decreased, and that it has increased in response to the... sorcery-thons...that have been held."

Melindrha gives Illiya a smooch.

Tirost chuckles at Illiya.

Illiya just blew Melindrha a kiss.

Valenal says, "And I apologize so much for coining that term."

Trajan says to Melindrha, "You are a professional."

Nawain giggles.

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Nawain coughs.

Valynn puts her diary in her forest shroud.

Aerilia chuckles.

Melindrha mutters to herself.

Madigan says to Melindrha, "We absolutely need you for the Siege of Knife Clan then for sure. We need pot stir'ers there."

Valenal says, "Which suggests, apart from theory, that the sorcery juice is not being snapped up."

Casari asks Valenal, "Seems like under your theory, the Heralds are using the pure mana to fight either the Immortals or some unknown other thing. Am I right? And if they lose access to enough pure mana, they lose the fight, right? If it's some other thing, that sounds like a problem. If it's the Immortals, then I would assume that the Immortals will have to take over for the Heralds, and that also sounds like a problem if there's no one to do their current job. Did I miss something? Are those bad assumptions? Is there some reason not to be concerned about it?"

Melindrha nods to Madigan.

Sukidesu grins at Nawain, his dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "Third, we know the Heralds got REALLY UPSET at that."

Medir nods to Casari.

Tirost sheathes his haralun sword.

Kethrai asks Valenal, "But you've said that all kinds of casting will generate more energy. So wouldn't it follow that any huge magic-...thon would temporarily cause the level to go back up? Whether sorcerous or pure?"

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Unaka fixes Kethrai with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Nevali frowns.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Unless it just feeds the juice drinker?"

Unaka asks, "Hmmm. Maybe it's more about the mix than the level? The right balance of mix I guess?"

Nevali says, "I've a question, and I hate it."

Medir says to Casari, "It's the third other thing that's a concern. Maybe it's best that they aren't starved in a fight that might have dire consequences for us if it goes th'wrong way."

Valenal says, "Potentially, yes. But I believe the Heralds would simply siphon off any "pure" energy."

Allye grins at Nevali.

Illiya says, "I have a question too."

Aerhys grins at Nevali, his dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "That was generated."

Unaka says to Nevali, "Questions are good."

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Assuming it's the Heralds doing the theft."

Nevali says to Unaka, "I don't like where this one has the possibility of leading thoughts."

Ingmak stands up.

Gwenddolyn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says to Casari, "Those are all cogent remarks and I share your concerns."

Valenal ponders.

Gwenddolyn says, "It could be a third entity."

Ingmak gets an Asemath Academy's student manual from inside his student's satchel.

Valenal says, "But if we do nothing, we will die."

Klausette smiles at Ingmak.

Unaka says to Nevali, "We've gotta look, and just take it. Only way we're going to find a way through this I think."

Kethrai asks, "So if it's the Heralds doing the theft, they'd take only pure mana... And we know they're taking only pure mana, because it's the Heralds doing it?"

Melindrha makes an odd noise like she just inhaled a tart.

Ingmak stands near Valenal.

Nevali slowly empties her lungs.

Ingmak fidgets nervously.

Nevali says to Unaka, "When it's my turn."

Eyst asks Valenal, "Related to that, how best would we produce this sorcerous energy? We have spoken of sorcerous casting, but should we also take this an urge to use genuine sorcerous patterns? Should moon mages be practicing their teleological arts? Or even a necromancer, theirs?"

Kethrai shakes his head.

Lupdels glances at Valenal.

Kethrai says, "I'll yield the floor, I just don't find that convincing at all."

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Nevali nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

(Zersha rubs a finger against the bridge of her nose.)

Melindrha says to Eyst, "Or a Cleric or a War Mage."

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Eyst nods to Melindrha.

Lupdels ponders.

Valynn's skin turns a pasty shade.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Thanks for asking."

Madigan says, "Nevali has been waiting to ask a question."

Valenal nods.

Madigan says, "And, being exceptionally polite about it."

Klausette ponders.

Madigan smiles warmly.

Valenal says, "Nevali, please ask. I apologize for being so scattered."

Valenal says, "We are trying to hold it together."

Nevali nervously asks, "Well... on the subject of necromancers, or rather... demons. Could it be possible there is another one? Like Maelshyve?"

Kethrai nods to Nevali.

Valenal grins wryly.

Trajan shakes his head at Valynn.

Lupdels raises his hand.

Trajan blinks.

Trajan shakes his head at Valenal.

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

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valynn coughs.

Valenal blinks at Nevali.

Trajan says to Valenal, "You're doing well."

Illiya nods in agreement.

Ingmak glances at Nevali.

Klausette smiles at Crobin.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "What do you find unconvincing?"

Ingmak fidgets nervously.

Unaka says to Nevali, "Yeah. Good question. Whomever we've gotta fight, we'll fight."

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Nimi takes a sip of her coffee.

Trajan says, "I have a question related to that."

Mistanna nods in agreement.

Valenal says to Nevali, "I sincerely hope not. Theoretically, there could be any number of such entities."

Zersha quietly says, "I think I'd prefer spider-ducks to another demon."

Melindrha says, "Pretty sure some people are itching for a proper fight."

Zersha gazes off into the distance.

Valenal nods to Trajan.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Ingmak quietly asks Valenal, "Heard this lecture count for magic elective? Can sign manual so I get credit?"

Ingmak shows Valenal his student manual.

Valenal chuckles at Ingmak.

Nevali says, "Just, there's been necromancers on the gweth saying... implying... that there are other things... and what if they're right."

Zersha grins at Ingmak, her dimples flashing into view.

Klausette looks at Ingmak, obviously trying not to grin.

Tirost grins at Ingmak.

Ingmak offers Valenal an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Trajan asks Valynn, "Is there any way to trace where the mana is being syphoned to?"

Taveryn just arrived.

Valenal accepts Ingmak's student manual.

Unaka says to Madigan, "Been thinking more about it. I think I do trust Valenal more. Just going with my gut, though."

Trajan mutters to himself.

Madigan grins at Valynn.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Is there any way to trace where the mana is being syphoned to?"

Tirost nods to Trajan.

Valenal carefully opens an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Allye trills softly at Unaka.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "The entire argument is based on the idea that pure mana is eaten and sorcery isn't. And I've yet to hear a shred of actual evidence for that."

Tirost says to Trajan, "I would like to know that as well."

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "Ah, I find myself without a pen."

Medir grins at Melindrha.

Valenal frowns.

Valenal offers Ingmak an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Unaka asks Kethrai, "Uhh. Well, any way we could see the answer to that?"

Ingmak accepts Valenal's student manual.

Lupdels gets a raven feather quill from inside his green backpack.

A lilac feather quill suddenly appears.

Madigan says, "Well, the bloody Heralds want pure mana to potentially release the Clans."

Ingmak rubs his head.

Lupdels offers Valynn a raven feather quill.

Valynn blinks at Lupdels.

Lupdels chuckles.

Lupdels winks at Valynn.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "Well, I am hoping to test it out, I suppose. I'm organizing an effort to cast huge amounts of pure-mana spells."

Ingmak quietly says, "No worries. Thank for lecture. Never look at juice same again..."

Gwenddolyn says, "Indeed, my mana was being siphoned by the building before Liraxes built the machine there."

Unaka nods to Kethrai.

Nimi giggles at Ingmak.

Melindrha says, "Speaking of beatdowns, I'm off to go see if people are in the mood tonight."

Melindrha waves.

Lupdels puts his quill in his green backpack.

Melindrha says, "Misbehave."

Shadow's Touch Melindrha saunters east.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Have you inspected the device that Liraxes is constructing? I am curious as to whether or not you can determine how the device can fit in helping us."

Ingmak puts his manual in his student's satchel.

Aerilia says to Unaka, "Asildu has called for adventurers to hold a 'pure mana' casting party. I suppose we'd see if there was a noticeable shift in balance afterwards."

Ingmak waves to Unaka.

Tirost says to Kethrai, "We have a person who called on the beings he's devoted to in order to prove their case, and meteors fell from the sky and spires rose over the clans. That person has commanded us - not asked, as he made clear - to stop socerous casting..."

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Seems like a good test."

Illiya says to Valenal, "I have a question, or rather a clarification, when others are done."

Son of Stone Nulak just arrived.

Nulak sneezes.

Gwenddolyn says, "The device empties the mana of those voing, which is concerning."

Valenal says to Trajan, "That is an excellent question. In theory, it could be possible."

Gwenddolyn says, "Voting."

Casari says to Tirost, "Well, he said the Heralds commanded, specifically."

Nulak says, "I didn't get to vote."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Is that not evidence that a powerful being is using energy and hates the mixing of mana?"

Valenal says to Trajan, "If they are somewhere within the Plane of Abiding."

Valenal nods.

Ingmak stretches his arms.

Ingmak goes east.

Allye nods to Zersha.

Xionara mutters to herself.

Valenal says to Illiya, "Please, go ahead."

Illiya asks Valenal, "I may have missed this in the conversation, but what ultimately are you suggesting we do? Cast more or less sorcery? Or something else entirely to fix the wild magic problem?"

Tirost says to Casari, "He claimed - but we have only heard from him."

Kethrai says to Tirost, "No, that's evidence that the Heralds hate the mixing of mana. And assuming that the Heralds are the ones doing the stealing."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Crobin nods to Zynell.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "If you remove that assumption about the culprit, there's nothing concrete."

Casari says to Tirost, "Just saying... if you're going to say someone did something, it's best to say the thing they actually did."

Nulak asks, "What's a herald?"

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "I wouldn't be surprised if an ancient entity was only able to drink pure mana."

Zersha smiles at Kethrai, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Valenal says to Illiya, "Ultimately, we must do two things. In the short term, cast more sorcery to keep the level of juice in the glass from draining out. But long term, we must figure out what cosmic fight is happening and put an end to it."

Gwenddolyn nods to Lupdels.

Gwenddolyn says, "Good assumption."

Dasheek traces a careful sigil in the air.

Unaka says to Nulak, "Big powerful being, more powerful than the Immortals. But otherwise kinda like a god."

Gwenddolyn says, "Something very old."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Would the spires rise out of no mana? No energy? Or do spires of living vines seem like the work of some entity that's not associated with the Heralds and the primal Elanthia Asildu idolizes?"

Valenal says, "Because if we can't do that, the system will not survive."

Klausette sarcastically says, "No big feat, there."

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Kethrai says to Lupdels, "I wouldn't be surprised if that were true and I wouldn't be surprised if that were false, but we have to know before we can use it to speculate further."

Sukidesu says, "Could be they have an allergy or intolerance for mixed mana."

Sukidesu ponders.

Madigan asks Aaiyaah, "Did he get to your question yet?"

Nulak says, "More powerful? Never heard of it."

Nulak thumps a Dwarven greathelm mounted with thunder ram horns with the back of his hand.

Aaiyaah shakes his head at Madigan.

Madigan shakes Nulak's hand.

Valenal says, "Pumping a ton of sorcerous casting is not a fix."

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valynn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "Just a stop-gap."

Kethrai asks Tirost, "What do the spires have to do with the mana theft?"

Unaka frowns at Valenal.

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Illiya asks Valenal, "If the entity is stealing pure mana, wouldn't it make sense that we should cast more pure mana in order to maintain the balance between pure and mixed?"

Trajan says, "Bandages on the wound."

Saragos says, "If there is a fight, as much as I hate to say it, as angry at the Heralds as I am, it's worth investigating if the thing they're drawing energy to fight against isn't worse than the Heralds."

Gwenddolyn asks, "Yes what exactly are in the spires?"

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "I guess the question is does sorcery mana split like oil and vinegar after you've shaken it or not in the soup."

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Saragos.

Tirost says to Kethrai, "They seem to be an effect - and a powerful one that did not come from nowhere, thus I posit they may have come from a source of magic, or energy derived from mana."

Allye says to Illiya, "Unless that would empower the thief..."

Aerilia nods.

Trajan nods to Allye.

Trajan says, "It would."

Unaka says to Illiya, "He said that the mixed mana fills the cup a lot more."

Valynn cocks her head at Saragos.

Trajan says, "And we wouldn't be able to keep up with the necessary output."

Valynn ponders.

Illiya says to Unaka, "Ah, that makes sense then.."

Valenal says to Illiya, "I don't think so? The more pure mana casting is done, the more energy will be stolen. It will end up netting out, would be my conjecture."

Gwenddolyn says, "It stays in the cup because the thief wont drink mixed mana."

Klausette nods to Crobin.

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "I certainly agree that they're a powerful effect, but we've always known the Heralds are tremendously powerful. There's nothing to link that to the mana theft."

Xionara nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lupdels nods to Kethrai.

Madigan says, "And, presently the user of raw magic...are the bloody fellows dropping rocks on us."

Nulak asks, "Ok, ok ..so these harrys got a cup, and the immortals put sorceries in it, but the cup is leakin so we need more immortals?"

Gwenddolyn nods at Madigan, obviously agreeing with his views.

Crobin nods.

Unaka gives Madigan a slight nod.

Crobin hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Aerilia says, "We don't understand the motives of the thief. Empowering it could be bad or good. Considering what's been happening, it feels bad."

Crobin just hugged Aaiyaah.

Illiya looks about with a puzzled expression on her face.

Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Crobin shakes Saragos's hand.

Crobin shakes Dasheek's hand.

Aaiyaah hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Aaiyaah with a warm smile.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, " I apologize, please ask your question."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Do you believe that wild magic is derived from a theft of mana?"

Crobin just hugged Valenal.

Crobin gives Sothios a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Have you inspected the device that Liraxes is constructing? I am curious as to whether or not you can determine how the device can fit in helping us."

Crobin hugs Zynell, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin shakes Darkewolff's hand.

Valynn grins at Crobin.

Lupdels says, "I also have a question, if possible."

Darkewolff shakes Crobin's hand.

Zynell hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Zynell with a warm smile.

Valenal ponders.

Klausette waves to Crobin.

Saragos says, "Again, though, if there is a fight going on, many of these problems come down to the Heralds' complete lack of communication. It seems fairly clear at this point, both from evidence and the words of those who serve them that they just don't care how this impacts us."

Crobin just hugged Nawain.

Illiya says to Allye, "I think the problem is we're not sure exactly who we're helping and we don't know exactly what the thief wants."

Crobin waves to Klausette.

Crobin hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Allye hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Nawain hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Gwenddolyn nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "Liraxes and I speak a very different idiom. But to the extent I can make sense of it, I believe it will help, yes."

Valenal nods to Aaiyaah.

Allye nods to Illiya.

Fearless Crobin saunters east.

Trajan says to Illiya, "I think at this point we need to help ourselves."

Aaiyaah asks, "That is good. So what should we do exactly with it?"

Kethrai says to Tirost, "At this point that feels reasonable, yeah. At the very least, we've got multiple angles to believe a theft is happening, it's corresponding to the wild magic, and Valenal gives a good explanation for how one would cause the other."

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Valynn softly says to Valenal, "Apparently we are twins."

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Xionara smirks.

Zersha glances at Valynn.

Zersha glances at Valenal.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Valenal gives Valynn a wry grin.

Xionara leans back.

Illiya grins at Valynn, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Lupdels chuckles at Valynn.

Unaka says to Saragos, "I asked Miraena and Asildu if the Heralds care about us, and they couldn't say yes."

Xionara grins smugly.

Zersha says to Valynn, "Or people need glasses."

Valynn gives Valenal a wry grin.

Madigan asks Unaka, "Asildu said he would ask the Heralds to release clans if we gathered and used raw magic. I think it benefits in the short term, the return of our people. It galls me to do so to assist the thing that did harm to us. Do you have thoughts on this topic?"

Numinor chuckles at Xionara.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Hebion asks, "Is there any way to find out for sure who the mana thief is?"

Zersha winks at Aerhys.

Tirost says to Illiya, "It is hard not to follow the Immortals in this moment. I don't think they would intentionally imbalance the system and mislead us about it. I can't think of a reason why they would do that."

Aerilia says, "Let's not forget Asildu admitted the Immortals have forsaken him. It's quite clear that They do not like him his motives."

Valynn nods to Zersha.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "Help him with the construction, and then interact with it as he tells you. I am hoping what he has built is a lever."

Nevali says to Madigan, "He also said he couldn't communicate with them, but could yell and hope."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Eyst asks Valenal, "May I ask a question about the general use of this pool of energy?"

Madigan nods to Nevali.

Madigan praises Nevali.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Well, if I were looking for someone stealing my juice, I'd try to catch them doing it. Or I might look at when the cup is getting low and look for someone with juice on their face."

Unaka quietly says, "Not sure if that's helpful."

Zersha giggles at Unaka.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Thank you so much for your explanations tonight."

Medir chuckles at Unaka.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Please do."

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Hebion asks Unaka, "Can we infuse some food coloring into the juice to make it more obvious?"

"Burn her! Burn her!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Sofina a wide berth!

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Unaka.

Illiya says to Tirost, "I'm on your side, but I also feel that the existence of a battle between Heralds and Immortals is conjecture in and of itself. I don't think we can be certain who we are helping."

Sofina grumbles.

Saragos asks Valenal, "Something I mentioned in my letter, but I think is relevant to the conversation at hand - we've seen no-color flashes and afterimages from many of the Sorcerous castings we've done recently. I've theorized that this no-color could possibly be a visible effect the energy you speak of entering the system from large castings. Can you confirm that?"

Nawain snorts, loudly.

Unaka fixes Hebion with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "I hope I am making sense. I understand...oh, that happened."

Malorna chuckles.

Sukidesu sighs.

Eyst says to Valenal, "How is it used under normal circumstances? It seems as if the heralds draw some of it as a matter of course. Do the immortals as well? Other planar entities? Basically, how many entities are drinking from this bowl."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Illiya.

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Happens more than you'd think."

Hebion says, "I don't want to blame the wrong person at the punchbowl."

Unaka says to Hebion, "Hmmm. I like that idea. Dunno if it's possible, but I'd do it."

Lupdels asks Valenal, "Could you share with us how your elemental entity friends have experienced the mana surges on their plane?"

Trajan says to Madigan, "I think Asildu was very pointedly non-committal in his answer to you."

Casari says, "He was pretty committed to trying. He couldn't guarantee an effect."

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Dasheek leans on Illiya.

Xionara pats Valenal on the back.

Illiya rubs Dasheek gently, massaging his muscles.

Tirost says to Illiya, "But I am quite certain we're helping Asildu, who has no qualms about what happened to the clans, if we choose to forego all sorcerous casting and provide whatever he serves with nothing but pure mana."

Madigan says, "That is the way I recall it Casari."

Perune goes east.

Valenal says to Saragos, "I believe that is correct, yes."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Urbaj says, "I wonder if the frequent sorcerous backlashes a result of there being too much mixed mana in the pool."

Urbaj ponders.

Hebion ponders.

Madigan asks Unaka, "I had a qustion a moment ago, you may have missed it. I can repeat it if you are ready to answer or discuss?"

Kethrai blinks at Urbaj.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Lupdels asks Kethrai, "Curious that the message of the Heralds, supposedly, was no sorcery, when if they were focused on draining the punchbowl shouldn't they have started with more pure mana, instead of waiting so long until now?"

Kethrai frowns thoughtfully.

Casari looks thoughtfully at Urbaj.

Unaka says to Madigan, "Oh, yeah. I did miss it. Sorry. Go ahead."

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Zersha nods to Allye.

Zersha clears her throat.

Zersha says, "A few of us will be talking after this about holding a pure mana party, if there's anyone I haven't spoken to that would like to join us."

Aaiyaah whispers something to Tirost.

Zersha blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Kethrai says to Lupdels, "One would think."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Mistanna nods to Zersha.

Aerhys joins Zersha's group.

Saragos says to Urbaj, "It could also be that if the streams are constricted, due to being stretched around debris at the bottom of the bucket when the level is low, they could be more likely to collide with each other accidentally, making more backlashes."

Allye nods to Zersha.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Most of that would be raaaaampant speculation on my part. I have a little bit of a different perspective, but I am not on the level with any of those entities. Or anywhere close."

Madigan asks Unaka, "Asildu said he would request the Heralds relese the clans if we held a gathering to generate raw mana. It galls me to assist someone under those circumstances. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Hebion joins Zersha's group.

Trajan says, "I think feeding the mana thieves seems like a bad idea."

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Allye angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Gwenddolyn.

Zersha grins at Aerhys, her dimples flashing into view.

Casari says to Urbaj, "If you're right, then it could be that it's just going to get worse and worse until sorcery is basically impossible. So... nothing BUT balance would be able to keep the bowl full."

Illiya says to Tirost, "I don't like to negotiate with those who would threaten us either, but if what Asildu said about the Heralds' complete inability to understand beings as small as us is true maybe they simply lacked an opportunity to provide positive reinforcement before this."

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Unaka frowns.

Sukidesu rubs his head.

Nawain pats Sukidesu on the back.

Gwenddolyn nods to Allye.

Urbaj says to Saragos, "But backlashes haven't gotten better like other wild magic has after we fill the pool."

Kethrai says to Trajan, "Or perhaps we'll find out that pure mana doesn't feed the mana thieves any more than sorcery does."

Tirost says to Illiya, "If they can target a specific clan, I think they know what they are doing. It's hard to interpret that as anything other an a punishment met to force people into submission."

Zersha says to Trajan, "There's also a chance we lure whatever it is out."

Nawain nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

Zersha grins at Trajan, her dimples flashing into view.

Saragos says to Urbaj, "Interesting, I didn't know that. I love the work, you're doing by the way. Incredible respect."

Klausette grins.

Eyst says to Valenal, "Even any evidence that other creatures besides the Heralds are capable of taking from it would be of interest, and relevant when we are speaking of whether there could be an unknown entity out there that is the true antagonist."

Kethrai says, "Can't find out if we don't check."

Aaiyaah says to Illiya, "I rather have the Immortals doing our negotiating with the Heralds for us."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "With all due respect, I think that's what we've been learning here tonight."

Aerilia nods to Tirost.

Valenal ponders.

Gwenddolyn asks, "If we give them what they demand then what makes you think they won't do it again because they got what they wanted?"

Illiya says to Aaiyaah, "Me too but we don't know what their interactions are now."

Kethrai says to Trajan, "That's what Valenal has been saying all night. That doesn't mean he's right."

Aaiyaah nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Urbaj smiles at Saragos.

Unaka says to Madigan, "I wanted to wait until I understood more to get to that. I'm thinking I'm real angry at the Heralds at this point."

Kethrai says to Valenal, "No offense."

Eyst says, "But if that is still an unknown then I certainly understand."

Trajan nods to Zersha.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Darkewolff smiles at Zynell.

Valenal dryly says to Kethrai, "None taken."

Zynell forces Sothios out of her group.

Tirost gazes at Unaka.

Valenal says, "But perhaps it would be good to be skeptical faster."

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Aerilia says to Tirost, "I think they understand us more than they let on if they've resorted to making examples of people. There's a clear intended effect."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "He seems to be more educated on the topic than any of us."

Hebion asks, "Are we sure the spires aren't just devices to help them siphon more pure magic?"

Zynell stands up.

Madigan says to Unaka, "For me, the Code (if you follow it) requires that we protect the Innocent. We have to find a way to get the Clans free."

Zynell carefully gathers up the delicate folds of a night-black starlight velvet prayer tapestry stitched with loimic and fey-bone.

Tirost nods to Aerilia.

Zynell puts her tapestry in her encompassing shadows.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Illiya says to Tirost, "I'll give anyone a chance once I guess. But if they don't keep their end of the deal, then we have our answer."

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Hebion.

Zynell chortles softly at some secret joke.

Zersha says, "I don't have a code but I agree that we should try to save and protect those who aren't as strong as we are."

Zersha grins at Madigan, her dimples flashing into view.

Nawain gives a slight nod.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Alright, rampant speculation. The Heralds can for sure use it. They...don't have to follow the rules, to a great extent."

Unaka says to Madigan, "I had a talk with Truffenyi about this, but let me listen first to Valenal a little more. I like to do things one at a time."

Tirost nods to Illiya.

Aaiyaah says, "I hate to say this as I want to act as much as anyone, but I would feel ALOT better knowing who is actually stealing the pure juice."

Madigan praises Unaka.

Gwenddolyn says, "Holding the clans hostage to demand our pure mana is wrong on so many levels."

Hebion says to Valynn, "If I were called to protect someone, but I didn't have the energy, the first step would be to gain that energy."

Soul Surgeon Zynell patters east, leading her group.

Gwenddolyn nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Eyst gives a slight nod.

Madigan says to Unaka, "Just so. We are storming Knife Clan in a few days. I hope to see you on the field with us."

Madigan grins at Unaka.

Mistanna nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valynn nods at Hebion, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hebion says, "If the spires help return our world to an older more pure state, it could potentially generate that energy they need."

Hebion shrugs.

Unaka grins at Madigan.

Madigan says to Unaka, "Warm up that sword arm a bit."

Trajan says to Zersha, "As for luring out the culprits, I think in this case, we may get more flies with vinegar than honey. Poisoning their well seems to get them awfully upset."

Valenal says, "The Immortals...possibly? Probably? They have to interact (at least, I believe so) with reality more or less as it exists, if that makese sense, or cause a lot of damage."

Kethrai says to Aaiyaah, "Bet you a hundred plat it's the Rogue Gardener, for lack of a better name."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Zersha says to Trajan, "Or did we just upset the Heralds and NOT what is actually taking the mana? There are a lot of questions we don't have answers to and a lot of guessing."

Zersha looks at Trajan and shrugs.

Nawain nods to Kethrai.

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "Hungry Gardener."

Xionara softly says, "Mana tick."

Valenal says, "And on some level, anyone can use it."

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Allye trills softly at Kethrai.

Illiya says to Kethrai, "I think most people have settled on that theory."

Valenal ponders.

Numinor chuckles at Xionara.

Nawain says, "Enemy."

Nawain makes a grunting noise.

Gwenddolyn says, "I think the rogue gardener would also be called the Hunger, for mana."

Sukidesu nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

Xionara nods to Gwenddolyn.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Kethrai says, "Haven't got a full chain of evidence to support it, but it's what my gut says."

Lupdels asks, "If we poison pure mana does that not risk poisoning those who use pure mana?"

Valenal says, "If you start a fire, all the physical processes involved in that require energy."

Xionara softly says, "Possible."

Zersha says, "I don't think it's a demon."

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "How can we trace who is stealing the pure juice?"

Illiya asks, "Thirsty Gardener?"

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "But you're sort of just moving it around."

Lupdels says, "Juice Stealing Gardener."

Zersha grins at Lupdels, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan nods to Illiya.

Zersha nods at Lupdels, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost asks Valenal, "Could something created or empowered by the Heralds be responsible for drinking... er, using all the pure mana energy for some purpose?"

Gwenddolyn says, "Demons are soul rippers, mana stealers are not."

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "Begs the question why they haven't dealt with their gardener, if they're paying close enough attention to punish people for sorcery."

Valenal looks thoughtfully at Tirost.

Allye gazes at her wine.

Lupdels says, "Punchbowl Pilferer."

Kethrai says to Illiya, "I don't think so, since we spent most of this meeting assuming it was the Heralds. Plural."

Valynn ponders.

Lupdels ponders.

Trajan says, "I think we're going to need a bigger bowl."

Valenal says, "Pure speculation....possibly? It's like asking "could a being that can do anything create a thing that can do anything."

Illiya says to Kethrai, "Oh, well.. I guess I wasn't paying attention to that part."

Lupdels chuckles at Trajan.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Unaka rubs her head.

Madigan says, "Well, the one thing we know is who likes dropping meteors on us."

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods to Madigan.

Valenal says to Madigan, "I think that is a "clue"."

Trajan nods to Madigan.

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Is that what Liraxes' device could help us do? Generate enough of a source of pure juice maybe for us to literally track who takes it?"

Aerilia nods to Madigan.

Kethrai says to Aerilia, "Possibly because they're so bad at understanding individuality and difference."

Saragos nods to Madigan.

Madigan grunts at Valenal.

Tirost nods to Madigan.

Valynn gazes down at her hands.

Zersha lays her hand on Valynn's arm.

Kethrai says to Aerilia, "Wouldn't even occur to them that one of their own could go rogue."

Eyst says, "I would expect so. On some level we would just call that a thing reproducing."

Zersha dimples at Valynn.

Allye stands up.

Lupdels says to Aerilia, "The visions suggest it may be older than them and they don't know about it."

Allye stands near Valynn.

Madigan says to Valenal, "I don't bloody know. That is for the smart people to figure out. My job is to stop them from dropping more rocks if we can."

Medir stands up.

Valenal says, "I apologize so much for missing so many points. I want to speak with all of you but I am, at best, one person."

Gwenddolyn asks, "The real question is who took the five and why? If it was the Heralds, was that their second bargaining chip to get what they wanted if the meteors did not work?"

Valynn gives Allye a half-hearted grin.

Illiya grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Valynn wraps her arm around Allye's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Illiya asks Valenal, "And at worst 5?"

Shaylynne hugs Medir, who wraps his arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Unaka says, "Yeah. Let's slow down."

Trajan pats Valenal on the back.

Valenal nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Medir hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Medir with a warm smile.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Kethrai says, "Mmph, I need to go take care of other business."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Xionara softly says, "No longer 5. Saw at least one go back to earth."

Lupdels nods to Kethrai.

Xionara chuckles.

Ozursus walks quietly into the area.

Kethrai says to Zersha, "I'll be in touch about the pure-mana party..."

Zersha nods to Kethrai.

Zersha smiles at Kethrai, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kethrai nods to Nevali.

Illiya asks Zersha, "Are you hosting it?"

Unaka says, "Okay. I'm gonna ask people to raise hands, and I'll point to 'em when Valenal is ready."

Valenal says to Kethrai, "I will watch that event with great interest."

Aerilia says to Lupdels, "Maybe so. But if their greater senses can't identify what's happening to the mana ecosystem at large.. well, it doesn't inspire confidence in them."

Lupdels raises his hand.

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Zersha says to Illiya, "I think there's a group of us working on it."

Unaka says, "So, go ahead and raise your hand if you have a question that he hasn't answered yet."

Tirost raises his hand.

Zersha gestures at Kethrai.

Zersha gestures at Madigan.

Medir offers Darkewolff a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch.

Zersha gestures at Allye.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Madigan nods to Hebion.

Darkewolff says to Medir, "Thanks, I am going to need this."

Unaka points at Lupdels.

Darkewolff accepts Medir's scotch.

Eyst says to Valenal, "Thank you for your willingness to speculate. I understand that can be fraught with peril when trying to instruct."

Medir chuckles.

Lupdels smiles at Unaka.

Darkewolff smirks.

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Klausette smiles.

Raising his scotch to Medir, Darkewolff gives him a toast.

Saragos nods to Eyst.

Illiya says to Zersha, "Let me know when it's going to happen if you don't mind."

Valenal says, "Thank you. It is getting more difficult to keep everyone, ah, contained. But I can stay for some time yet."

Trajan raises his hand.
Nevali raises her hand.

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Thank you for coming to answer questions. Much as I may be a tough crowd, I honestly appreciate the opportunity."

Zersha says to Illiya, "Happily! Once we get it planned."

Zersha laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Lupdels says to Valenal, "Could you share the perspective of yoru elemental entity friends how they are experiencing the mana surges on their plane? I understand their planes aren't like the plane of abiding, no space or dimensions or something."

Stellar Statistician Urbaj strolls east.

Allye nods to Medir.

Gwenddolyn ponders hopes he doesnt mean himself contained

Allye hugs Medir, who wraps his arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Skepticism is a survival skill."

Medir hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "And thank you for being a great referee."

Valenal says, "Just have to be fast about it."

Kethrai gives Unaka a wry grin.

Medir nods politely.

Tirost grins at Valenal.

Medir walks south.

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Kethrai.

Mistanna stifles a yawn.

Mistanna waves.

Mistanna salutes before turning and wandering off to find some rest.

Valenal looks thoughtfully at Lupdels.

Trajan nods politely to Kethrai.

Kethrai just left.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Zersha hugs Aerhys, who wraps his arms around Zersha with a warm smile.

Darkewolff takes a sip of his scotch.

Klausette shakes her head at Darkewolff.

Aerhys hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Aerhys with a warm smile.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Unaka says, "I'm a great player, really. Nobody likes the ref."

Darkewolff puts his scotch in his encompassing shadows.

Valynn leans against a large fountain.

Madigan says, "Poor OZursus has never seen this many students in one area."

Allye grins at Unaka.

Shaylynne declares her sudden desire to take a hike as she blends into her surroundings.

Gwenddolyn nods to Madigan.

Tirost chuckles at Madigan.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "I am not sure I can."

Gwenddolyn says, "We did lectures here so he has."

Lupdels nods to Valenal.

Valenal says, "Absurdly little of what they experience has any kind of translation into something we would recognize as...anything."

Aseanaecona just left.

Stalwart Ruthgar goes east.

Lupdels nods.

Madigan puts his coffee in his traveler's pack.

Klausette nods to Darkewolff.

Aerilia ponders.

Valenal says, "There is literally almost no frame of reference in common."

(Valynn dangles her fingertips in the cool water of the fountain.)

Nawain gets a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image from inside her slender rugursora.

Illiya clasps Dasheek's hand tenderly.

Nawain offers Madigan a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image.

Madigan says, "Alright friends. Take care. Everyone, thanks for your efforts in figure this stuff out."

Madigan accepts Nawain's zucchini sandwich.

Madigan bows to Nawain.

Darkewolff nods at Klausette, obviously agreeing with her views.

Madigan puts his sandwich in his traveler's pack.

Madigan raises his hand in a quick salute.

Sir Madigan goes east.

Aerhys beams at Zersha!

Valynn nods.

Field Medic Darkewolff walks east, leading his group.

Aerhys joins Zersha's group.

Lupdels smiles at Valenal.

Nawain gets a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image from inside her slender rugursora.

Valenal says, "What I did in my research was create a...call it a lense... that allows something projected through from their end to refact into our end."

Nawain offers Saragos a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image.

Valenal says, "And the reverse."

Saragos accepts Nawain's zucchini sandwich.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Like a telescope?"

Valenal says, "But I truly have no idea if that reflection is in any way actually mapping onto something real on the other side."

Valenal says, "If tha makes sense."

Lupdels says to Valenal, "Fascinating."

[General] Your mind hears Madigan thinking, "Yes...whenever you are free Unaka and have considered the issue."

Unaka nods.

Xionara softly says, "Interesting."

Unaka points at Aaiyaah.

Hebion asks, "Can you make a lens to help us see who the culprit is at the punchbowl?"

Valenal says, "Sometimes, I am fairly sure, we are not communicating at all."

Lupdels nods.

Unaka says, "Raise hands for questions."

Stars' Silence Kystrk just arrived.

Aerilia raises her hand.

Illiya gets a plate of fresh baked honey-glazed biscuits stuffed with ham and served with a creamy alfredo cheese sauce from inside her shopping bag.

Dasheek wraps his arms lovingly around Illiya, snuggling close.

Illiya offers Dasheek a plate of fresh baked honey-glazed biscuits stuffed with ham and served with a creamy alfredo cheese sauce.

Dasheek accepts Illiya's honey-glazed biscuits.

Trajan says to Valenal, "Try shadow puppets."

Tirost raises his hand.

Unaka says to Aaiyaah, "Your turn."

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Is that what Liraxes' device could help us do? Generate enough of a source of pure juice maybe for us to literally track who takes it? Maybe with the use of your lens?"

Dasheek takes a bite of the biscuits.

Unaka says to Tirost, "You already raised. My memory isn't that bad."

Tirost grins at Unaka.

Saragos raises his hand.

Tirost says to Unaka, "Sorry. Just wanted to make sure. It was chaos in here."

Unaka nods to Tirost.

Trajan nods to Tirost.

Unaka says, "Yeah. I need some juice."

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "It's possible. I believe he is creating a very complicated computation device...basically an in intellectual lever? What he will do with it, I am unsure."

Aerilia chuckles.

Trajan says, "Academic chaos is one of the best kinds of chaos."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Lupdels yawns expansively.

Valynn gets a tankard of Skalliweg's brew from inside her traveler's pack.

Lupdels says, "Fascinating discussion but I must be going on."

Lupdels just left.

Valenal says, "But it could enable the kinds of information processing you would need to track that energy flow."

Valynn offers Unaka a tankard of Skalliweg's brew.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka accepts Valynn's Skalliweg's brew.

Unaka guzzles down some of her brew and then smacks her lips and wipes them with her sleeve.

Valenal asks, "Who is next?"

Unaka says, "Thanks."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka points at Tirost.

Valynn nods to Unaka.

Valenal nods to Tirost.

Unaka says to Tirost, "Go."

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Illiya raises her hand.

Valenal says, "I can stay for one more after this, I think."

Tirost asks Valenal, "My question is similar to Sir Aaiyaah's. Unaka suggested the way to find what might be drinking all the juice is to look for the one with juice on their face... what might that look like Can you advise us as to the best method to find the true source of whatever's draining energy from the system?"

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Dasheek lets out a hearty cheer for Valenal!

Valenal says, "That is a very apt suggestion on her part, and on Sir Aaiyaah's."

Valenal says, "There are basically two things, I think. I have done these on a smaller scale and you can do them on a larger, potentially, by monitoring which entities respond to which events."

Zersha leans on Aerhys.

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Valenal says, "After each Sorcery event, the Immortals seemed to be pleased and the Heralds were displeased. At least, to judge from the results."

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Malorna says, "Except when the drakes came."

Valenal says, "If the upcoming "pure" magic event happens, you might be able to observe one or the other acting suspiciously."

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "If what I suspect is correct, there is a titanic struggle occuring."

Zersha gives Valenal a slight nod.

Valenal says, "And the players have eschewed subtlety."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Tirost frowns.

Tirost says to Valenal, "Thank you."

Valenal says, "So they likely will not attempt to hide their interventions."

Valenal nods to Tirost.

Valenal wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Illiya says, "I wish they would just come down here so we could kill them already."

Valenal says, "I will take one more question, and then I must depart."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Nevali begins an eerie, warbling wail of despair.

Unaka points at Trajan.

Tirost nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Illiya looks with concern at Valenal.

Unaka says to Trajan, "Yours."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Aerilia gestures, and a water ball forms in her hand.

Allye quietly says, "Please excuse me. Thank you for the interesting lecture."

Aerilia offers Valenal a water ball.

Unaka guzzles down some of her brew and then smacks her lips and wipes them with her sleeve.

Illiya hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Sukidesu bobs his head courteously and gives the brim of his wolf-eared hat a slight tug.

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Allye hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Unaka lets loose with a loud belch and rubs her belly!

Zersha hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Valynn hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Valenal exclaims to himself, "Yeah, we want to see the fire sprites again!"

Allye hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Valenal sighs.

Valenal accepts Aerilia's water ball.

Valenal smiles at Aerilia.

Xionara softly says, "Uh oh."

With a small wave of farewell and an impish grin, Allye whirls around and runs from the area.

Aerilia smiles at Valenal.

Xionara glances at Valenal.

Kystrk nods.

Nulak sneezes.

Son of Stone Nulak tramps east.

Malorna gazes at Valenal.

Valenal says to Trajan, "Please, go ahead."

Aerhys bows to Hebion.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Finding the culprits seems paramount, but in addition to that, is there any way to block the pond, to prevent access?"

Aerhys hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Aerhys with a warm smile.

Zersha pulls Aerhys to her in a tight hug.

Valynn smiles at Aerhys.

Hebion nods politely to Aerhys.

Aerhys bows to Valynn.

Aerhys waves.

Valynn nods to Aerhys.

Aerhys catches Zersha up in a fierce embrace, swinging her around exuberantly.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Courtier Aerhys goes east.

Valenal says, "That is a good question, but I don't think so. At least, no way that I can figure. If it were possible, I suspect the Heralds would have done it by now."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Xionara softly says, "Hrm."

Valenal says, "In order to force the Plane of Abiding into a "pure" state free of outside influence."

Valenal takes a drink from his water ball.

Eyst says to Valenal, "You should track down the Atik'ets as well if you're going to view fire sprites."

Hebion asks Unaka, "Could that be the purpose of our tacklebox?"

Trajan asks Valenal, "So there's no way to prevent someone from siphoning mana out of the pool?"

Unaka says to Valenal, "Thanks for coming and talking about all this."

Valenal firmly says to Eyst, "We are definitely not going to see fire sprites."

Valenal says to himself, "Aw, come onnn..."

Unaka fixes Hebion with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Boxes are for keeping the right things in and the wrong things out."

Malorna says, "Think we tiring him..."

Valenal says to Trajan, "As far as I can figure, it shouldn't be possible. Move it around in the pool, sure...but not remove it."

Nevali says, "Well... that mostly answers my question..."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

With a faint pop, the water ball that Valenal is holding bursts with a tiny splash of water.

Trajan says to Valenal, "Thank you."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Hebion asks Unaka, "Exactly. Can we put the pond in our tacklebox?"

Saragos says to Valenal, "I've condensed my questions from the letter down to one. I know you're done - I'll send it along again to you in another letter and perhaps you can answer another time. Thanks for taking the time, I really appreciate it."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Dasheek shakes his head.

Nevali asks Valenal, "Do you think lunar mana is lime flavored, or more sweet cream or vanilla?"

Valenal bows to Saragos.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Don't know for sure, but I don't think so."

Valenal says, "I will look forward to it."

Xionara gets a little navy lunchbox painted with the portrait of a Prydaen from inside some nebulous enshrouding clouds of soft white smokewhorl.

Xionara opens her navy lunchbox.

Valenal says to Nevali, "I think it must taste like lavendar tea."

Nevali says, "Awful."

Nevali says, "Simply awful."

Valenal says, "Good morning, everyone."

Valenal bows.

Illiya says, "Thank you both for your time."

Tirost says to Valenal, "Thank you for meeting with us. You have been very patient, and have given many of us a sense of hope."

Zersha curtsies gracefully to Valenal.

Trajan bows to Valenal.

Xionara bows her head, acknowledging Valenal.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Eyst nods politely to Valenal.

Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Valenal.

Rhainn curtsies to Valenal.

Aerilia says, "Be well."

Kystrk yawns expansively.

Stars' Silence Kystrk drifts south.

Valenal steps into a shadow and is simply gone!

Valynn places a hand on her chest and bows her head.

Aaiyaah sweeps a gold-inlaid tyrium great helm accented with royal blue off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Numinor nods politely.

Illiya curtsies to Unaka.

Marienn tilts her head to one side.

Intern Rhainn goes east.

Unaka says, "Okay, Valenal has to go, but I can stay a bit longer if people want to talk to me. I know I don't know as much."

Stellar Statistician Urbaj just arrived.

* Valenal returns home from a hard day of adventuring.

Trajan nods politely to Unaka.

Aaiyaah asks Unaka, "Talk soon I hope?"

Aerilia smiles at Unaka.

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Nevali says, "No wonder the Heralds hate sorcery. Who mixes lavender tea with anything."

Nawain slowly empties her lungs.

Eyst ponders.

Aerilia asks Unaka, "Have you voted in Liraxes' machine, if you don't mind me asking?"

Sukidesu pets a shaggy husky puppy.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Firehawk Casari goes east.

Trajan says to Valynn, "And thank you for your patience."

Gwenddolyn says, "I did."

Trajan adds to Valynn's praises.

Unaka blinks at Aerilia.

Tirost quietly says to Saragos, "All of that was fascinating."

Saragos nods to Tirost.

Nevali pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Nawain says, "No fountains, Miss Wiggles. People drink from that. Probably."

Valynn looks at Trajan, obviously trying not to grin.

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "We should consider holding another vigil."

Unaka asks, "Oh. There's a machine?"

Aerilia grins at Unaka.

Nawain winces.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Nawain gives Aaiyaah a slight nod.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Nawain asks Aaiyaah, "To whom?"

Unaka rubs her head.

Sukidesu says, "I'm curious to see what the results of that...voting, will do."

Malorna says, "Mine been bating the entire time."

Aerilia says, "By the spider infested house, west and south of the western gate."

Malorna grins at Nawain.

Valynn pulls the hood of her shroud up.

Eyst nods at Sukidesu, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost smiles at Valynn.

Nawain grins at Malorna.

Zersha blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Illiya asks Unaka, "May I ask what your impressions are after hearing Valenal's explanations?"

Valynn nods politely to Tirost.

Unaka says, "Wait, right, Valenal talked about the machine some. But. I guess I should learn more about it before I do a thing with it."

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "That is where we all should work together and decide whom the best Immortal we should hold it for."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Valynn gazes silently at Aaiyaah.

Marienn tilts her head to one side.

Valynn just tried to pull some dark brown leather thigh-boots.

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Saragos says to Tirost, "I'm being skeptical of my own emotions, since I'm really angry at the Heralds. I was intending to just focus on the kidnapping, but I think I may have been convinced to take a side. Asildu and Miraena seemed to make it clear that the choice was between the Heralds and the Immortals, and I feel like that's an easy choice to make."

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says to Illiya, "I decided I trust the guy more than I thought. Seems like he knows things and isn't lying. But that's just my gut."

Valynn idly picks at some dark brown leather thigh-boots.

Valynn scans the area briefly.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "And I think I understand a lot more now that we've got the Juice theory."

Tirost nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hebion praises Saragos.

Malorna says, "Gave us info to watch the responses."

Malorna nods.

Kulaka talna Ibin Nimi goes east.

Aerilia nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valynn goes north.

Nevali sighs.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "If you would discuss with Maintain and other clerics you trust and let us know, we will get to work putting it together."

Zersha smiles at Saragos, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Illiya asks Unaka, "Who does your gut tell you is behind all this?"

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says, "I think it's the Heralds."

Eyst says, "The juice theory was quite elucidating."

Gwenddolyn nods to Unaka.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Illiya ponders.

Illiya asks Unaka, "Any particular reason why?"

Zersha cocks her head at Hebion.

Gwenddolyn says, "And they are covering up the truth, Miraena, but Asildu is starting to spill the truth now."

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zersha curtsies gracefully.

Zersha waves to Illiya.

Hebion nods politely.

Unaka says, "I know that Kethrai had some good questions. But I feel like the Heralds are the ones getting mad over sorcery. And Asildu got mad and then the Clans went down."

Desert Dancer Zersha goes east, leading her group.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Nevali miserably says, "I think we should work to find a middle-ground between the Herlads and gods, put aside all emotions for as long as we can, as mortals, and truly map out the whole structure of events, starting with the creation of our world."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Those two together seem like they are attacking our people, and they want us to act a certain way -- no sorcery."

Saragos says to Nevali, "I agree in principle, but we might not have time for all that."

Gwenddolyn says, "The Heralds don't care if we survive, it is all about their needs."

Aerilia says, "Even if the Heralds themselves aren't the ones draining the juice, I think someone they had a hand in making may be."

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Aerilia says, "And they've done nothing to make me want to support them."

Unaka says, "Maybe there's not enough evidence for some, but for me that's enough that I think it's time to strike back. At least see what happens."

Illiya says, "Ooh now we're talking my language."

Illiya rubs her hands together.

Eyst says to Unaka, "Of course, things have been rather one-sided haven't they? If there had been two of these 'pure magic' gatherings, perhaps we would be speaking of some grand smiting the immortals unleashed."

Nawain quietly says to Sukidesu, "I'm reminded of that story about the thief who was caught with red paint on his hands when clever people painted the door knobs to the food cellars. I wonder just what sort of paint would stick to mana."

Tirost says to Aerilia, "Certainly not Asildu."

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "I agree. For me this is where I see the beginning of a solid plan can start to take shape: We trace who is siphoning the pure juice, then we determine next steps. We need more intelligence...to know which nail to hammer."

Aerilia nods to Tirost.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says to Eyst, "I heard that the Herald messengers came around recently and said some things about the Immortals."

Unaka narrows her eyes.

Nevali says to Saragos, "I just want the map. I hate being drawn into this conflict. But the more I hear, the more I need to understand. Not so I can do anything. Just so I can know why people are the way they are."

Nawain growls low in the back of her throat.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Eyst nods to Unaka.

Nevali says, "People including Heralds, and gods, and star-bugs, and dragons."

Eyst says, "As they said them, I'm sure any fervant worshipper would have been furious to hear them."

Nawain says to Unaka, "They said the Immortals were bad assistants, lazy and indolent, and had failed us, so the Heralds were repairing what they let rot."

Nawain narrows her eyes.

Unaka softly says, "They will know my fury, when the time is right."

Eyst nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia nods to Nawain.

Illiya beams at Unaka!

Malorna shudders.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Trajan nods to Nawain.

Sukidesu nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia smiles at Unaka.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Illiya says to Unaka, "I look forward to that day as well."

Unaka's hand unconsciously moves to rest on her weapon harness, where her maul rests.

Nawain says, "That will be a good day."

Aerilia says to Unaka, "Asildu said he's Forsaken. I'm keen to see if the next meteor we see will be his damned soul entering the red spiral."

Aervyn just arrived.

Aervyn runs west.

Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "Yes, it was clear that the Heralds saw the Immortal's job was to keep us in "line". Which is to say, keep generating the pure juice. And since we were generating mixed juice....it was the Immortal's fault."

Unaka nods to Aerilia.

Gwenddolyn says, "What made him become forsaken is the real question."

Gwenddolyn asks, "What did he do?"

Trajan says, "There may be some Immortals who enjoy sewing chaos, but we've yet to experience one attempting to wipe us out of existance."

Eyst says to Aerilia, "Perhaps at some point, but I believe the implication is that the Heralds are shielding his soul now."

Nawain nods to Illiya.

Illiya says to Unaka, "Thank you for your time."

Aerilia nods to Eyst.

Unaka nods to Illiya.

Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Unaka.

Illiya just hugged Nawain.

Tirost says, "I should take my leave."

Illiya hugs Aerilia, getting a smile in return.

Aerilia says to Eyst, "I expect you're right, unfortunately."

Strawberry Nurse Illiya goes east, leading her group.

Xionara nods to Malorna.

Malorna says, "Ok off i go too."

Unaka says, "Truffenyi made us, and he loves us. We are his children. I know he is hurting right now."

Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna goes east.

Tirost says to Unaka, "This was interesting. Thank you, and when the time comes, I hope to stand with you."

Nawain gazes sadly at Unaka.

Unaka shakes Tirost's hand.

Gwenddolyn says, "Good eve all, thank you for your time Unaka."

Tirost shakes Unaka's hand.

Urbaj says, "I'm gonna go make some juice. Thanks everyone."

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts east.

Stellar Statistician Urbaj strolls east.

Aerilia chuckles.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "We will continue to find every way to help the Immortals however we can."

Light of the World Gwenddolyn goes east.

Unaka says, "I am glad. It helps my heart to hear these words."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Aaiyaah says, "I have quite the missive to write His Grace. I must be off. Thank you Unaka."

Aaiyaah sweeps a gold-inlaid tyrium great helm accented with royal blue off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Unaka at the same time.

Unaka says, "If anyone discovers anything new, tell me. But the path right now seems pretty clear. We need to stop the Heralds from taking from us. Hurt them if that's what it takes."

Aaiyaah says, "Take care folks."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Trajan waves.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Aaiyaah clicks his heels together and renders a crisp salute.

The sound of a battle horn emanating from somewhere nearby distracts you for a split second, and when you look back, Aaiyaah is gone.

Nevali shakes her head.

Sukidesu nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "The Immortals are counting on us."

Trajan says to Unaka, "A problem I'm finding is that the path is still quite unclear to some."

Nawain nods in agreement.

Unaka nods to Trajan.

Lourpicon ponders.

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Tell them what you've learned today. I hoped that understanding more would open my eyes, but maybe it will help others."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Xionara gets a baked ham sandwich from inside her navy lunchbox.

Xionara moves a little navy lunchbox painted with the portrait of a Prydaen to her left hand.

Xionara moves a baked ham sandwich to her right hand.

Eyst says to Trajan, "For myself, the matter of motive is still unsettled."

Xionara offers Unaka a baked ham sandwich.

Xionara softly says to Unaka, "Must make sure to eat."

Ozursus walks quietly into the area.

Xionara closes her navy lunchbox.

Unaka asks, "Or if nothing else, ask them to trust their gut. Do we trust these Heralds who have never shown a single care for us? Or do we trust the Immortals, who created us and have cared for us for eons?"

Trajan says to Eyst, "Motive may be irrelevant at this point."

Unaka accepts Xionara's ham sandwich.

Xionara puts her lunchbox in her cotton smock.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka says to Xionara, "Thanks, a quick bite would be good."

Unaka messily gobbles down a baked ham sandwich.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Xionara nods to Unaka.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Sukidesu nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Numinor taps a gold medallion symbolizing dedication to Truffenyi that she is wearing.

Eyst says to Trajan, "I disagree. As illuminating as Valenal's lecture was, I think it could be neatly turned on its head."

Numinor smiles.

Marienn eloquently says, "I think it's less they've not shown care. More like they throw a tantrum and a meteor at innocents when they don't get their way."

Nevali says, "I heard stories about gods throwing tantrums as well..."

Unaka says to Eyst, "I challenge you to make it better. If we must learn more, we will need smart people like you to finalize all the pieces."

Nevali says, "At least that's how people described it..."

Eyst asks Unaka, "The conceit of his point is that the heralds are drinking all the pure juice, we need to make more sorcerous juice to fix things, yes?"

Trajan says, "I'm struggling to decipher how the vision of the Gardener fits in with the rest of the puzzle."

Unaka asks Marienn, "They've done that too, really good points. But also, if they did care about us, where have they been all this time?"

Marienn nods to Unaka.

Unaka nods to Eyst.

Nevali says to Trajan, "At least you can see the pieces and the table. All I have are sky pieces."

Saragos says to Unaka, "Were you at the vigil to Meraud? So much going on these days, I can hardly remember."

Eyst says to Unaka, "Well, perhaps it's the immortals drinking all the sorcerous juice, and we need to rally with the heralds to produce more pure juice, though."

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Trajan nods to Nevali.

Xionara nods politely.

Xionara softly says, "Safe paths."

Unaka blinks at Eyst.

Black Fox Xionara slinks north, leading her group.

Trajan says to Nevali, "Perspective is difficult."

Unaka says to Eyst, "No. That is not true."

Nevali says, "I'd like to know where everything is stored. Visions written down. History recorded. True or not. Everything the messengers have said. All this about dragons in motes of light."

Trajan shakes his head at Eyst.

Eyst says to Unaka, "Perhaps. Maybe there is some flaw in my reasoning that can be pointed out."

Unaka says, "I have spoken with Truffenyi, more than once. I know him, in a way I cannot describe. He would not do that."

Unaka says to Nevali, "Uhh, I sure hope some people have been writing all this down. It's a lot."

Nevali nods.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Aerilia says, "But, if making more sorcerous juice weakens whatever the Immortals are fighting, all the better to make plenty of it."

Trajan says, "I did see at least one person with a quill."

Trajan says, "I didn't see them using it, but I did see them with it."

Nevali asks, "I just think... if gods are our parents, aren't the Heralds our grandparents? Some live far away, but they still love us. I've never met mine. I've never met my parents. But... if they knew of me, wouldn't they love me?"

Unaka says to Eyst, "That one guy said wild magic got better after the sorcery party. That's some other evidence."

Eyst nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka says to Nevali, "But the messengers are close to the Heralds, and they wouldn't say that they love us. I asked that more than once."

Saragos says to Unaka, "I've been wondering about Meraud's third vision. The one that he bade us watch carefully and twined four different mana streams into an intricate weave. As someone who's had a closer contact with the Immortals than most, did that seem... like he was telling us to do that? It seemed way more detailed than just demonstrating something about the consumption of mana."

Lourpicon says, "Grandparents can suck."

Nevali asks, "Are the Rangers and Paladins in the Dark Hand uncaring of the people they leave behind?"

Eyst says to Unaka, "I agree, if he can verify that in some manner."

Unaka fixes Saragos with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos says, "I don't know if you can offer much there. Just struggling with it."

Unaka slowly says, "I think it would be unusual for a god to give us direct instructions like that. Maybe not unheard of, but they don't usually talk like that. I think it was more... a metaphor. My visions are usually that way anyway."

Nawain gives Saragos a slight nod.

Trajan says, "This is the most direct they've ever been, as far as I can recall."

Unaka says to Eyst, "Urbaj. That was the one. You should ask him."

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Eyst nods.

Sclerotia just left.

Nawain babbles incoherently.

Unaka says, "If he was making a drink and drinking it. I dunno. Maybe he was telling us something about the juice."

Nawain sighs.

Sukidesu pats Nawain on the back.

Marienn eloquently says, "Seems likely."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Marienn nods to Unaka.

Trajan says, "It does fit the analogy."

Eyst says, "A good idea. If he's right it might be the only clear evidence that doesn't require us rely on another's good intentions."

Unaka nods to Eyst.

Nawain says, "If you'll all pardon me, I need to dry this creature off before it climbs in bed. This was good. I understand better, now."

Aerilia asks Saragos, "The exact weave of what He did may not be important. Perhaps the message was just.. do sorcery to replenish the lost energy?"

Sukidesu just hugged Nawain.

Unaka smiles at Nawain.

Nawain says to Unaka, "Thank you."

Nawain hugs Sukidesu, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Trajan bows to Nawain.

Nevali's ears droop for a moment as she gazes sadly at Nawain.

Unaka pats Nawain on the back.

Saragos says to Aerilia, "Maybe."

Nawain hugs Nevali, getting a smile in return.

Nawain waves to Trajan.

Trajan waves.

(Nawain holds the dripping dog at arm's length and wanders off.)

Eyst says, "I think I will be off, allow the juices to ferment some as it were."

Tracker Tymorin just arrived.

Tracker Tymorin slinks north.

Holy Lash Nawain patters east.

Unaka grins at Eyst.

Nevali sadly says, "Bye..."

Eyst bows.

Unaka says, "Alcoholic juice! Even better."

Saragos says to Aerilia, "I'm just trying to wrap my head around the dimensions of the problem for the kidnapped people. It's a big one. Probably require lots of sorcery."

Marienn chuckles.

Eyst nods in agreement.

Eyst stands up.

Esotericist Eyst plods east.

Aerilia says to Saragos, "He wants to "break those that would do us harm", and sorcery has apparently been towards that end."

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Unaka asks, "How do you know he wants that?"

Aerilia says, "Those were words he shared with a select few before the first sorcerous party at Arhat's Tower."

Saragos nods to Aerilia.

Aerilia says, "With Saragos specifically in fact."

Unaka blinks thoughtfully.

Unaka says, "Hmmm. Good to know. Truffenyi wants the same."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "If sorcery is the way to do it, I say do sorcery."

Aerilia says, "Agreed."

Saragos says, "I'm struggling with it. I feel like he gave me a task. But... I need to get my wife and friends back. They've been missing for over six months. And if it really is the Heralds, or one of their Gardeners, who kidnapped them, it seems unlikely that just fighting that battle is going to get them back. The Heralds don't seem the type to offer surrender terms."

Nevali asks, "But it's... irrational?"

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Unaka says to Nevali, "Not everything has to be rational to be good."

Sukidesu says, "I think I'll be going now."

Sukidesu waves.

Aerilia says to Saragos, "Remember what He said after the Loom failed. We didn't get the answer we sought, but it was a necessary step to get them back."

Saragos says, "I'm hoping I can accomplish both ends. I'm hoping He will at least smile on the attempts to solve problems using Magic. I had wondered if he was offering a Sorcerous pattern as a way of resolving my dilemma."

Trajan nods politely to Sukidesu.

Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu shuffles east.

Saragos nods to Aerilia.

Trajan nods to Aerilia.

Unaka says to Saragos, "I'm sorry about your wife. I don't have the answer for you."

Unaka gazes at Saragos with a sympathetic look on her face.

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Well I'd better go now."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Seele goes east.

Marienn eloquently says, "Thank you for being far better company than the Zealots."

Aerilia says, "Be well, Unaka. Thanks for your time."

Marienn bows her head, acknowledging Unaka.

Unaka says, "I've got a lot of work still to do, but I'm gonna mull over what to do next about this."

Unaka nods to Marienn.

Unaka says, "Good bye, everyone."

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Aerilia waves to Unaka.

Nevali looks downright miserable.

Saragos says, "Take care."

Holy Guardian Unaka strides east.

* Unaka returns home from a hard day of adventuring.

Aerilia pets her white dog.

Saragos says to Aerilia, "I'm heading to Arhat's Tower, if you want to talk theory about how to bring them back."

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Aerilia joins Saragos's group.

Saragos says, "Anyone else interested is welcome."

Tempest Knight Saragos strides east, leading his group.

Kerennya stands up.

Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east.

Nevali stands up.

Numinist Nevali parades east.

Trajan says, "I have more reading to do."

Trajan says, "Take care."

Trajan waves.

Knight Errant Trajan goes east.

Latest revision as of 20:08, 11 September 2024

Wild Magic Theory for 'Togs
Event Date: 09/09/2024
Event Instance: Prime


Date

It has been 450 years, 128 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 4th month of Shorka the Cobra in the year of the Golden Panther.


Log

[Asemath Academy, Central Fountain]
A fountain gurgles cheerfully somewhere nearby and the scent of plants and flowers fills the night air. You stand in a large open space but you can sense the presence of buildings nearby. You also see Ozursus, an aqueous fissure, a stone seat, a black panther that is sleeping and a white dog that is sleeping. Also here: Esotericist Eyst who is sitting, Plague Doctor Marienn who is trailing a lambent blood-red afterglow with every movement, Leviathan Friend Lupdels, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Courtier Aerhys, Reriyn, Light of the World Gwenddolyn who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Tempest Knight Saragos, Dawnsworn Briaen who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Kulaka talna Ibin Nimi, Sothios who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Reverend Gragnel, Fearless Crobin, Soul Surgeon Zynell who is sitting, Mageling Aerilia who is sitting, Desert Dancer Zersha, Stargazer Mistanna who is sitting and Stalwart Ruthgar.
Obvious paths: north, east, south, west.

Cateress Allye just arrived.

Leviathan Friend Lupdels saunters east.

Maraisel waves to Ezerak.

Mistanna hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye's ears perk up happily.

Allye hugs Mistanna, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Allye waves.

Zersha curtsies gracefully to Allye. 

* Valenal joins the adventure.

Zersha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Zersha hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye beams at Zersha!

Zersha appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Allye hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Ezerak waves to Maraisel.

Sublime Mender Kerennya just arrived.

Aerhys bows to Allye.

Sclerotia just arrived.

Aerhys grins at Allye, his dimples flashing into view.

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Allye curtsies gracefully to Aerhys.

Mistanna waves to Tirost.

Tirost waves to Mistanna.

Lord Knight Hebion just arrived.

Tirost shakes Saragos's hand.

Tirost hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

Aerilia stands up. 

* Holy Guardian Unaka joins the adventure.

A stone seat collapses back into the ground.

Tirost stands near Aerilia.

With a graceful movement of her hands, Zersha lowers her head and sinks into a formal curtsy before Hebion.

Knight Errant Trajan just arrived.

Aerilia smiles at Tirost.

Hebion bows to Zersha.

Tirost smiles.

Hebion nods politely.

Zersha waves to Trajan.

Trajan waves to Zersha.

Court Advisor Aaiyaah just arrived.

Aerhys bows to Hebion.

Trajan nods politely to Aaiyaah.

Crobin gives Aaiyaah a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles.

Valynn just arrived.

Hebion nods politely to Aerhys.

Tirost shakes Aaiyaah's hand.

Aaiyaah shakes Trajan's hand.

Kerennya smiles at Aaiyaah.

Gwenddolyn grins at Aaiyaah, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Aaiyaah hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Aaiyaah with a warm smile.

Aaiyaah shakes Tirost's hand.

Aaiyaah smiles at Kerennya.

Valynn pulls down the hood of her shroud.

Gwenddolyn grins at Tirost, her dimples flashing into view.

Gragnel gives Aaiyaah a slight nod.

Trajan shakes Aaiyaah's hand.

Tirost smiles at Gwenddolyn.

Valynn smiles at Crobin.

Valynn hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Valynn with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Valynn raises a hand to her chest and bows her head to Tirost.

Aaiyaah says, "Hello everyone, good to see you."

Medir just arrived.

Mistanna smiles at Aaiyaah.

Valynn nods to Aaiyaah.

Ezerak nods politely to Aaiyaah.

Shadow's Touch Melindrha just arrived, leading her group.

Holy Guardian Unaka just arrived.

Medir hums to himself.

Tirost smiles at Melindrha.

Unaka waves.

Eyst nods politely to Melindrha.

Medir gets a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch from inside his cartographer's cloak.

Aerilia waves to Unaka.

Melindrha waves.

Mistanna waves to Unaka.

Medir smiles at Unaka.

Aaiyaah throws back his shoulders, snapping to attention and with a sharp click of his heels, renders Unaka a crisp salute.

Zersha waves to Unaka.

Allye perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Unaka.

Gragnel beams at Unaka!

Gwenddolyn nods to Unaka.

Melindrha gives Lourpicon some coins.

Valynn stands near a large fountain.

Medir takes a seat.

Lourpicon goes east.

Tirost waves to Unaka.

Aerhys bows to Unaka.

Valynn raises a hand to her chest and bows her head to Unaka.

Allye takes a seat near Medir.

Medir leans against a large fountain.

Trajan says, "I'm looking forward to the small words."

Medir grins at Allye.

Zersha looks at Trajan, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Allye grins at Medir.

Marienn chuckles.

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Trajan.

Medir puts his scotch in his cartographer's cloak.

Gragnel says to Unaka, "No hugs today, please. My back is hurting."

Gragnel nods.

Unaka nods to Gragnel.

Unaka pats Gragnel on the back.

Medir gets an applewood wand topped with an autumn jasper pumpkin from inside his cartographer's cloak.

Kerennya waves to Unaka.

Medir twirls the applewood wand through a simple series of gestures. A goblet of Glythtide's merry wine appears in his left hand!

Lourpicon just arrived.

Gragnel falls over.

Valenal just arrived.

Gragnel stands up.

Gragnel dusts himself off.

Allye winces.

Medir moves an applewood wand topped with an autumn jasper pumpkin to his left hand.

Medir moves a goblet of Glythtide's merry wine to his right hand.

Unaka winces.

Medir pats Gragnel on the back.

Kerennya waves to Valenal.

Unaka says to Gragnel, "Sorry."

Holy Lash Nawain just arrived.

Medir offers Allye a goblet of Glythtide's merry wine.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Allye grins.

Allye accepts Medir's Glythtide's wine.

Valenal quietly says to himself, "Alright, remember what we talked about."

Crobin nods to Unaka.

Medir twirls the applewood wand through a simple series of gestures. A goblet of Glythtide's merry wine appears in his right hand!

Gragnel says to Unaka, "I'm sure it happens often."

Stellar Statistician Urbaj just arrived.

Tirost smiles at Medir.

Medir puts his wand in his cartographer's cloak.

Unaka fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal resonantly exclaims, "Good evening, everyone!"

Medir waves to Tirost.

Gwenddolyn chortles softly at some secret joke.

Firehawk Casari just arrived.

Tirost waves to Medir.

Medir offers Tirost a goblet of Glythtide's merry wine.

Allye nods politely to Valenal.

Mistanna says, "Good evenin'."

Tirost accepts Medir's Glythtide's wine.

Valenal says to himself, "Maybe tone it down a bit."

Valenal coughs.

Tirost smiles.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Raising his Glythtide's wine to Medir, Tirost gives him a toast.

Leviathan Friend Lupdels just arrived.

Unaka fidgets nervously.

Valenal calmly says, "Good evening, everyone."

Valenal smiles.

Marienn tilts her head to one side.

Tirost takes a sip of his wine.

Medir smiles at Valynn.

Unaka shakes Valenal's hand.

Aerilia says, "Evening."

Ezerak nods politely to Valenal.

Sir Madigan just arrived.

Valynn grins at Medir.

Unaka says to Valenal, "Valenal? Unaka."

Valynn idly picks at a forest shroud dyed in mottled shades of green and brown.

Eyst nods politely to Valenal.

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

Valenal asks Unaka, "And goood evening to you, young Paladin. Valenal?"

Gwenddolyn lets out a hearty cheer for Tirost!

Valynn gives Madigan a half-hearted grin.

Kerennya studies the area intently.

Tirost smiles at Gwenddolyn.

Nawain gazes at Valenal.

Valenal says to Unaka, "And I am Unaka...wait, no, that's wrong."

Crobin waves to Madigan.

Marienn chuckles.

Unaka slowly says to Valenal, "No, you're Valenal."

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

Allye clears her throat.

Ezerak nods politely to Madigan.

Madigan shakes Ezerak's hand.

Aerilia quietly says, "Great start."

Zersha giggles at Valenal.

Ezerak shakes Madigan's hand.

Unaka slowly asks Valenal, "You feeling okay to do this?"

Valenal cautiously says, "Right, right, of course."

Allye nods to Aerhys.

Allye nods to Aerilia.

Trajan nods politely to Madigan.

Valenal says to Unaka, "Well."

Valenal fidgets nervously.

Aaiyaah shakes Madigan's hand.

Valenal cautiously asks, "We're definitely doing it?"

Crobin chuckles.

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Medir says to Valenal, "You've got this."

Aerhys chuckles at Allye.

Medir nods.

Valenal says, "So I think we must press on, regardless."

Unaka says, "I mean. Truffenyi wants me to understand. So I've gotta start somewhere."

Valenal nods.

Taveryn just arrived.

Taveryn runs west.

(Madigan give Trajan a light fist pound on his shield.)

Allye nods to Unaka.

Zynell winks.

Unaka says, "I think we all want to understand."

Nimi takes a sip of her coffee.

Valenal says to himself, "That is NOT like a Truffle."

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Aaiyaah grins at Nawain.

Valenal asks, "Alright. Ah...hello, everyone. Let's all get comfortable, shall we?"

Saragos gets a purpleheart humidor inlaid with a silver ophidian devouring its own tail from inside a crackling eddy of seething blue light arcing from a lumium torus.

Unaka says, "Not unless the truffle is also your dad."

Saragos gets an elegant silver-foiled cigarillo from his purpleheart humidor.

Valenal says, "Tonight we are..."

Aaiyaah nods to Nawain.

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

Zersha leans on Aerhys.

Valenal quietly asks Unaka, "Ahh...what are we doing?"

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Lupdels ponders.

Saragos touches a silver-foiled cigarillo with a glowing finger, and it quickly catches fire.

Saragos puffs on his silver-foiled cigarillo.

Unaka slowly says to Valenal, "You were going to explain wild magic."

Unaka says, "Or what you know about it anyway."

Ingmak just arrived.

Valenal says, "We are certainly doing that thing we all gathered for. Oh! Right, of course, of course."

Ingmak blinks.

Ingmak stares blankly into the distance.

A Prydaen villager wanders into the area.

Ingmak tugs at the strap on his student's satchel.

Zersha gazes at Valenal.

Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Tirost takes a sip of his wine.

A Prydaen villager gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Unaka nods to Ingmak.

Ingmak smiles at Unaka.

(Kerennya moves back a bit and sits, but close enough she can still hear the proceedings.)

Kerennya takes a seat.

Valenal quietly asks himself, "What do we know about that? Well I don't know, did you bring the notes?"

Valenal pats himself down looking for something!

Marienn eloquently says, "Oh I like him..."

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese and chews daintily on it.

Madigan quietly says, "Gads."

Unaka says to Ingmak, "Nice boots."

Valenal sighs.

Ingmak asks Unaka, "Sorry am late, came straight from practice. This lecture on magic?"

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

Valynn gazes hopefully at Aaiyaah.

Trader Klausette just arrived.

Unaka nods to Ingmak.

Ingmak beams!

Aerilia says, "I think the council's in control tonight."

Kerennya waves to Klausette.

Aerilia gazes up at the sky.

Peace Keeper Vaddon just arrived.

Nimi nods to Ingmak.

Strawberry Nurse Illiya just arrived.

Klausette waves to Kerennya.

Saragos's silver-foiled cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Zersha quietly asks Aerilia, "How can you tell?"

Ingmak rummages through a sturdy leather student's satchel with a padded shoulder strap but it's clear he hasn't a clue if what he is looking for is there.

Gwenddolyn nods.

Crobin hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Gwenddolyn nods to Vaddon.

Klausette quietly says, "Sorry, I am late."

Valenal straightens, slaps himself on the cheek a couple of times, and then cracks his neck.

Aerilia says to Zersha, "The cluelessness, mostly."

Kerennya smiles at Illiya.

Marienn raises an eyebrow.

Aerhys grins, revealing his dimples.

Valynn gives Aaiyaah a half-hearted grin.

Allye quirks her ears outward for a moment, blinking in surprise at Valenal.

Illiya hugs Kerennya, getting a smile in return.

Marienn grins slowly.

With a friendly smile, Zynell holds Klausette's hand.

Illiya hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Numinist Nevali just arrived.

Zersha looks at Aerilia, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Ingmak gets a thick leather-bound journal stamped with the insignia of Asemath Academy from inside his student's satchel.

Allye hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Perune just arrived.

Kerennya says to Klausette, "Oh, things haven't really kicked off yet."

Zersha dimples at Illiya.

(Nawain watches Valenal with bemusement for a bit before pulling out her keg.)

Seele just arrived.

Nawain gets an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps from inside her slender rugursora.

Kerennya smiles at Klausette.

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Aaiyaah lays his palms against Perune's in a quick, yet deliberate movement.

Valenal calmly says, "Alright. That's...all of us together, then, I think."

Klausette smiles at Kerennya.

Crobin just hugged Nawain.

Zersha casually observes the area.

Valenal rubs his head.

Nawain hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Unaka says, "Welcome everyone. This man, who is probably Valenal, is going to tell us about wild magic."

Gwenddolyn chortles softly at some secret joke.

Zersha glances at Unaka.

Medir chuckles.

Zersha glances at Valenal.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Aerhys observes Valynn with fascination.

Kethrai nods to Unaka.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Illiya smiles at Valenal, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Aerhys observes Valenal with fascination.

Valenal calmly says, "I will do my best."

Valenal smiles at Unaka.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Nevali takes a seat.

Ezerak asks, "What was that thing he said to say for situations like these?"

Valynn grins at Aerhys.

Intern Rhainn just arrived.

Valenal asks, "Are we all comfortable?"

Kerennya waves to Nawain.

Ezerak asks Valenal, "It's been a lovely party, but someone is at the door?"

Nawain waves to Kerennya.

Mistanna nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Unaka peers quizzically at Ezerak.

Kethrai asks, "Would you kindly let the human speak...?"

Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Ezerak.

Valenal says to Ezerak, "Very close, and much appreciated."

Rhainn hugs Melindrha, who wraps her arms around Rhainn with a warm smile.

Kethrai says, "Something like that."

Valenal nods at Kerennya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka looks around the area.

Valenal wryly says, "We have come to that consensus."

Allye takes a sip of her wine.

Unaka quietly says to Ezerak, "I don't see any doors."

Valenal says, "So to take advantage of that while it lasts, let us dive right in."

Perune folds his arms across his chest.

Ingmak nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia smiles encouragingly at Valenal.

Marienn tilts her head inquisitively.

Parath'agi Kalyyth just arrived.

Nimi acts puzzled.

Lupdels gazes off into the distance.

Zynell nods to Kalyyth.

Valenal says, "What I will present today will be a synthesis of my own research, the...unique...perspectives of my partners...and a certain amount of founded conjecture."

Shaylynne just arrived.

Reriyn goes east.

Ingmak takes a seat near a large fountain.

Aaiyaah grins at Shaylynne.

Shaylynne joins Medir's group.

Aaiyaah hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Valenal says, "I cannot promise to have all the answers."

Shaylynne just hugged Aaiyaah.

Valenal seems to be waiting for something.

Shaylynne hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Ingmak starts to read his journal.

Nawain gives Kerennya a slight nod.

Valenal says, "Well, I COULD.."

Crobin hugs Shaylynne, getting a smile in return.

Zersha waves to Shaylynne.

Shaylynne hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Gwenddolyn nods to Shaylynne.

Valenal says, "But I won't."

Shaylynne appears calmer than she did a moment ago.

Shaylynne smiles at Zersha.

Allye hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Zersha beams at Allye!

Unaka says, "Good. I don't like empty promises."

Valenal nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ingmak continues reading.

Crobin says, "Or empty tankards."

Illiya leans over to give Shaylynne a friendly smooch.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Aerhys bows to Shaylynne.

Gragnel smirks at Crobin.

Shaylynne waves to Aerilia.

Ingmak continues reading.

Lupdels chuckles.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Shaylynne waves to Aerhys.

Valenal says, "So let us start at the beginning, and work forward."

Saragos exhales some tobacco smoke. A faintly perfumed aroma wafts from a pale lavender plume of smoke, carrying with it the scent of mulled wine.

Tirost grins at Crobin.

Zersha nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Ingmak turns a page in his book.

Ingmak's concentration breaks, and he stops reading.

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Valenal says, "The Plane of Abiding is part of a set of interconnected Planes, each of its own nature."

Ingmak ponders.

Unaka fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Mythologian Aseanaecona just arrived.

Klausette asks Valenal, "In simple terms though, yes?"

Valenal nods to Klausette.

Klausette nods.

Klausette smiles.

Zersha stands near Aerhys.

Zersha leans on Aerhys.

Valenal says, "As simple as I can do."

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Klausette nods to Valenal.

Tirost scans the area briefly.

Valenal says, "The Plane of Abiding is unique in a specific sense."

(Ingmak writes 'Unique' in his journal and underlines it a few times.)

Valenal says, "Only in Abiding do all the various mana frequencies coexist, interact, and mix."

Unaka says to Valenal, "Remember. Small words. If you can."

Zersha furrows her brow.

Aerilia nods.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Valenal says, "Giving rise to the wonderous reality we experience."

Zersha looks at Hebion, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Ingmak fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Allye gazes at Valenal.

Valenal says to Unaka, " If you like, the Plane of Abiding is like a pond, with mana pooling and mixing from streams and other sources."

Kethrai says, "So if the other planes are all different ingredients, the Plane of Abiding is like a stew."

Valenal nods to Kethrai.

Unaka knits her eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown.

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Valenal says, "That is a very apt way to put it."

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese and chews daintily on it.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "You got it right away."

Ingmak glances at Valenal and sweats. He doesn't look scared exactly -- he looks more like he expects Valenal to cause headaches, perhaps by asking Ingmak to do math.

Saragos's silver-foiled cigarillo glows faintly as it burns down.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Valenal says, "The practice of magic produces energy and the energy fills the pond, in this analogy."

Aseanaecona nods at Ingmak, obviously agreeing with his views.

(Ingmak writes 'Magic... pond... stew...' uncertainly in his journal.)

Valenal says, "Pure mana produces a particular quality of energy, in line with its... type, if you like."

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Zersha squints at Valenal.

Tirost gazes at Valenal.

Unaka says, "Hmmm. Quality."

Nevali quirks one ear sideways in confusion.

Kerennya tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Nevali raises her hand.

Unaka asks, "Like it has a kind of flavor to it?"

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "That is a good way to think of it, yes."

Valenal nods.

Perune nods politely to Tirost.

Unaka nods.

Aerilia nods.

Tirost nods to Perune.

Unaka says, "So the pond is kinda like juice."

Ingmak nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha blinks at Unaka.

Nevali asks, "Does mana produce energy just by existin', or does it make energy when you cast with it only? Or little of both?"

Ingmak quietly says to Unaka, "Glad you here to translate."

Unaka grins at Ingmak.

Zersha softly says, "I thought it was stew..."

Zersha gazes off into the distance.

Nawain shakes her head as if clearing it.

(Aseanaecona's stomache starts to growl.)

Unaka says, "Or stew, yeah."

Aseanaecona blushes a deep green color.

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Valenal says, "That is a good question, Nevali. Mana produces energy through moving and being resisted...so the answer is, sort of both."

Valenal nods.

Nevali beams!

Aerhys grins at Aseanaecona, his dimples flashing into view.

Klausette whispers something to Ingmak.

Nevali folds her arms inside the sleeves of her wizard's robes, assuming a sanguine expression.

Ingmak beams at Klausette!

Kethrai quietly says to Zersha, "What is juice if not stew sufficiently processed..."

Zersha gets a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese from inside her beverage holster.

Zersha offers Aseanaecona a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese.

Aseanaecona accepts Zersha's pastry turnover.

Zersha grins at Aseanaecona, her dimples flashing into view.

Aseanaecona beams at Zersha!

Zersha blinks at Kethrai.

Unaka says, "Yeah, I know about moving the mana around to make energy for spells. I do that a lot."

Illiya studies the faces around her.

Allye looks thoughtfully at Kethrai.

Saragos takes a long drag off of a burning silver-foiled cigarillo.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Aseanaecona messily gobbles down a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese.

Unaka says, "So each pure mana type has a kind of flavor. Okay. Go on."

Valenal says, "So where were we...juice. The pond is like juice. Pure mana casting produces a certain flavor of juice, or type of juice, if you like."

Ingmak gazes at Unaka in awe.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Field Medic Darkewolff just arrived.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Darkewolff squints.

With a friendly smile, Zynell holds Darkewolff's hand.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "Mixed-mana casting produces a different sort of juice."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Tirost nods.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Mistanna flashes a quick grin at Darkewolff.

Darkewolff winks at Mistanna.

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a crisp pastry turnover stuffed with sliced pears and smoked cheese and chews daintily on it.

Zersha finishes off her pastry turnover.

Valenal says, "There are two factors that matter, broadly speaking, in preserving the stable...ish...if you squint...system that we live in."

(Ingmak crosses out 'Pond... stew' and writes 'Juice' confidently.)

Aerhys nods at Zersha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerhys nods to Ingmak.

Tirost scratches Aerilia's white dog.

Madigan gazes at Valenal.

Aerhys jots down some notes.

Zersha squints at Valenal.

Valenal says, "One is the level of juice in the...let's call it a bowl."

Aerilia smiles.

(Crobin watches the group but moves to stand next to Sothios his ears turning back and forth listening)

Valenal asks, "And the other is the mixture - how much of each type. Does that make sense so far?"

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Ingmak ponders.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

(Zersha points at Aerhys' notes and whispers, "Write down 'juice bowl.')

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Ingmak gives a slight nod.

Saragos says to Valenal, "Pretty standard, so far."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Kethrai asks, "It's bad if the bowl's too empty, or too full, and it's bad if there's too much of one kind and not another?"

Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu just arrived.

Valenal says, "Just so, Kethrai."

Valenal nods.

Sukidesu just hugged Nawain.

Nawain leans on Sukidesu.

Sukidesu rubs Nawain gently, massaging her muscles.

Unaka slowly says, "Makes sense."

Klausette ponders.

(Aerhys scratches out juice and writes 'layered gelatin dish?')

Ingmak nods to Unaka.

Klausette nods in agreement.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Perune asks, "What is the result of "too full?"

Madigan grunts at Valenal.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Perune says, "I've seen the result of too empty."

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Unaka says, "I feel like every lecture should be in the form of food."

Allye nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Illiya nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aseanaecona nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Nawain gives Unaka a slight nod.

Tirost chuckles at Unaka.

Eyst asks Valenal, "That goes for the mixed juices as well?"

Ingmak chuckles.

Mistanna chuckles.

Madigan grins at Unaka.

Valenal nods to Eyst.

Eyst ponders.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Klausette smiles.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Nevali asks, "Do we need to identify the flavor of each before moving on?"

Unaka asks Perune, "Let's do one thing at a time. Let him finish and then we do bigger questions?"

Aseanaecona says to Eyst, "Party punch."

Madigan grunts at Aaiyaah.

Aaiyaah grins at Madigan.

Lupdels ponders.

Valenal says to Nevali, "Let us continue with the analogy and we can come back."

Unaka says, "Because first I need to hear what all this means about wild magic."

Nevali nods.

Valenal says, "The juice in the cup is actually circulating, all the time."

(Ingmak writes 'Wild magic?' in his journal and circles it, nodding to Unaka.)

Perune folds his arms across his chest.

Nimi ponders.

Valenal says, "Changing density and pressure, creating eddies and tides and such like. It isn't static."

Enchantress Onara just arrived.

Unaka says to Ingmak, "Notebook. Good idea."

Aerilia nods.

(Nimi leans over and attempts to peek at Ingmak's notes.)

Enchantress Onara drifts north.

Zersha quietly says, "Jiggily juice bowl."

Ingmak beams at Unaka!

Valenal says, "And when the level in the glass gets too low, that circulation becomes erratic."

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Allye looks thoughtfully at Valenal.

Enchantress Onara just arrived.

Crobin waves to Onara.

Kethrai frowns thoughtfully.

Onara waves.

Unaka asks, "You know all this for fact? Or this is more like your guess?"

Shaylynne whispers something to Allye.

Shaylynne nods to Allye.

Enchantress Onara drifts east.

Illiya snuggles up to Melindrha.

Zersha looks at Melindrha, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Ingmak pets a coppery saluki puppy flaunting a goldenglow glaes collar and jadeleaf snood.

The saluki puppy looks up at him with big, adoring eyes and wags its tail gently.

Valenal says, "This is a conjecture, but one I think is well b ased."

Valenal nods.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Allye ponders.

Allye nods to Shaylynne.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Valynn casually observes the area.

Unaka says to Valenal, "Conjecture is just a long word for guess."

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Valenal.

Shaylynne chortles softly at some secret joke.

Tirost looks at Unaka, obviously trying not to grin.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal dryly says, "It's like a smart guess."

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia smiles.

Valenal says, "What we experience as Wild Magic is that erraticness."

War Healer Misteeus just arrived.

Unaka asks, "So wild magic... is when the juice, or the pond, gets too low?"

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Zersha looks at Aerhys, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Ingmak asks, "Wait, who drinking juice?"

Unaka nods.

Marienn eloquently asks, "So who put a hole in the bowl?"

Aerhys chuckles at Zersha.

Ingmak rubs his head.

Tirost says to Ingmak, "The ultimate question.."

Tirost smiles at Ingmak.

Illiya nods.

Lupdels shifts his weight.

Madigan nods to Tirost.

Valenal says, "Yes. Imagine the water in the pond normally flows back and forth, with plenty of clearance. But if it gets too low, it starts to froth and surge among the rocks on the bottom."

Ingmak blinks at Tirost.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Klausette ponders.

Unaka asks, "So why are these Herald messengers saying not to do sorcery? Does that have something to do with the pond level?"

Gwenddolyn leans against a large fountain.

Darkewolff smirks to himself.

Valenal says, "It is a bit more complicated. It has to do with the mixture."

Saragos says, "That makes sense. Early on, we were theorizing about mana being "swollen", but a blockage happening due to waning levels could also achieve that."

Valenal nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Ingmak gazes at his journal.

Valenal asks, "The juice in the glass is like JUICE. It's energy if you can use it, right?"

Valenal says, "If you run, you drink some juice and you can run further."

Ingmak rubs his head.

Ingmak nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka says, "Sure. I use juice all the time."

Aerilia nods.

Valenal says, "If you're playing a long hard round of togball, you might drink lots of juice."

Klausette nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha furrows her brow.

Ingmak beams!

Ingmak nods in agreement.

Valenal asks, "Make sense?"

Nimi nods to Valenal.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods.

Aseanaecona ponders.

Aseanaecona nods to Valenal.

Ingmak adjusts his togball jersey into place.

Gragnel folds his arms across his chest.

Klausette beams at Darkewolff!

Tirost takes a sip of his wine.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Kethrai gazes thoughtfully at Valenal.

Zersha looks at Hebion, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Valenal says, "Alright. What has been happening for several years, and which has accelerated recently, is that someone or something is drawing a LOT of juice."

Ingmak frowns.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Zersha gazes at Valenal.

Lupdels nods.

Aerilia nods.

Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Unaka asks, "Too much juice. Not enough for us, I guess?"

Valenal says, "Much more than the juice...generation...in the system can sustain."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Aerilia frowns in thought.

Klausette grins at Crobin.

Zynell gets a tiny spun sugar fae from inside her encompassing shadows.

Hebion begins chortling at Zersha.

Zynell offers Crobin a tiny spun sugar fae.

(Ingmak starts to doodle an image of togball players around a big bowl of juice in his journal.)

Unaka furrows her brow.

Crobin accepts Zynell's sugar fae.

Illiya joins Medir's group.

Klausette smiles at Ingmak.

Crobin chuckles.

Valenal says, "Simply put, but yes. Imagine squeezing a bag to get the last bit of juice out."

Crobin takes a bite of the fae.

Medir smiles at Illiya.

Valenal says, "Or sucking it through a straw, I suppose."

Sukidesu says, "Ew, bag juice..."

Crobin takes a bite of the fae.

Nimi asks, "What kinda juice they drinking?"

Zersha quietly says to Nimi, "Good question."

Nimi blushes a deep green color.

Nawain gives Saragos a slight nod.

Medir opens his linen khandur.

Valenal says, "That's the interesting thing. I spoke earlier about how pure casting and sorcerous casting generate different types of juice."

Unaka says, "Shhh. Nothing wrong with bag juice."

Zersha nods to Valenal.

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Sukidesu looks at Unaka, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in his cheeks give him away.

Medir gets an elegant diamondwood wand adorned with myriad lively etchings from inside his linen khandur.

Medir dances the diamondwood wand through a convoluted series of gestures. A generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch appears in his left hand!

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Medir puts his wand in his linen khandur.

Medir closes his linen khandur.

Medir moves a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch to his right hand.

Ingmak gets a battered togball manual bound in punka leather from inside his student's satchel.

Ingmak studies the cover of a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Valenal says, "They behave differently, and as it turns out, it seems whoever is drawing so much juice can only utilize one type."

Ingmak carefully opens a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Valenal says, "The pure type."

Ingmak's face scrunches in frustration as he reads his togball manual, repeatedly mouthing the words to himself.

Allye frowns.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Unaka nods.

Madigan glances at Valenal.

Unaka says, "Okay. So the mixed type tastes bad to them."

Tirost lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Medir tilts his head to one side.

Gwenddolyn says, "Indeed."

Melindrha asks, "So do we poison the pure juice?"

Crobin angles his ears forward in curiosity.

Zynell grins mischievously at Melindrha.

Valenal says, "Tastes bad, or they can't process it."

Zersha gnaws on her lip.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka fixes Melindrha with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Aerilia nods.

Mistanna says to Melindrha, "We still need some for ourselves, I think."

Gwenddolyn says, "So it weakens them."

Unaka slowly says to Melindrha, "You. Remember that."

Aerilia says, "Liraxes wasn't sure if they can't or simply won't use the.. sorcerous juice."

Casari says, "So... we need to fill up the pure part so it doesn't empty completely."

Casari tilts her head to one side.

Valenal ponders.

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Illiya says, "Or we need to kill the entity that's drinking it."

Melindrha ponders.

Valenal nods to Illiya.

Zersha asks, "Or both?"

Gwenddolyn nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Melindrha says, "Or poke holes in the straw."

Aerilia nods to Illiya.

Tirost nods to Illiya.

War Healer Misteeus goes east.

Medir grins at Melindrha.

Eyst says, "The mixed juice is able to make up for the lack of pure juice? I thought imbalance in the different types of juice created its own problems."

Madigan nods to Illiya.

Allye nods to Melindrha.

Unaka asks, "Well, wait, who is drinking which juice?"

Ingmak ponders togball

Melindrha says, "Big bad evil guy drinking tasty mana juice that fills the casting stew."

Ingmak stares blankly into the distance.

Medir chuckles at Ingmak.

Valenal says to Unaka, "I believe the Heralds are the ones trying to drink the Pure Juice."

Gwenddolyn nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Black Fox Xionara just arrived.

Shaylynne asks, "Do they have a flavor preference?"

Xionara rubs her eyes.

Allye furrows her brow.

Zersha grins at Shaylynne, her dimples flashing into view.

Nevali asks, "Why?"

Gwenddolyn says, "Holy."

Aerilia says, "Or one of their creations."

Unaka says, "They like pure juice, so they're saying no sorcery. Okay."

Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Aerilia nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Valenal says, "Based on their...ahh...very spirited intervention in response to several sorcerous casting events."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Kethrai asks, "If different types of ma... juice, naturally mix in this bowl... Why would using sorcery create a different kind of juice? If you use elemental and holy, say... Wouldn't that just add more elemental and holy... juice?"

Xionara smiles at Valenal.

Ingmak blinks.

Ingmak gently closes a battered togball manual bound in punka leather.

Gwenddolyn says, "They don't separate as pure when woven together."

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Valenal asks Kethrai, "Mmm. You are an Empath, sir. Are you perhaps also an Alchemist?"

Melindrha asks, "Have you ever made a stew where you needed to add both beef and veggie broth in order to make something tasiter than it would be alone?"

Kethrai nods to Valenal.

Medir says, "So the Heralds don' like to mix drinks -- is what I'm gettin' here. Bad hangovers."

Zersha grins at Aerhys, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal nods to Kethrai.

Aerhys grins at Medir, his dimples flashing into view.

Melindrha grins at Medir.

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Unaka nods to Medir.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "You're an alchemist?"

Nawain smirks at Medir.

Ingmak puts his manual in his student's satchel.

Klausette twiddles her thumbs.

Valenal says, "Often, the way you mix your ingredients matters."

Sukidesu asks, "It would just be a cocktail, wouldn't it? Two or more juices in one drink?"

Kethrai says to Tirost, "After a fashion."

Ingmak fixes Valenal with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal says, "To the final product."

Tirost smiles at Kethrai.

Zersha rubs her head.

Medir gazes at his scotch.

Valenal says, "I believe that is the case here."

Aerilia nods.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Mistanna says, "I think when more than one juice at a time is used, it has a sort of chemical reaction, and is actually a different juice."

Melindrha says to Medir, "Fancy pain in the rump layered drink."

Xionara nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Medir nods at Melindrha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka nods to Mistanna.

Gwenddolyn says, "So the key is finding who is stealing the pure mana."

Shaylynne nods to Mistanna.

Lupdels flips open the lid on his mahogany tankard.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Valenal ponders.

War Healer Misteeus just arrived.

Saragos asks Valenal, "So you seem to be saying the prohibitions on Sorcery exist mostly to benefit them. Ok. Do you have any theories as to why we can only attune to one mana type naturally, and why manipulating streams we are not attuned to requires irrational thoughts and negative states of mind?"

Aerhys chuckles at Zersha.

Unaka says, "Valenal thinks it is the Heralds drinking the pure ju-- mana."

Kethrai asks, "And why do you think the mana-thief isn't drinking the sorcery juice? I don't mean... why wouldn't they. I mean, what evidence says that they aren't?"

Gwenddolyn nods to Unaka.

Gwenddolyn says, "I do also."

Ingmak studies the faces around him.

Melindrha asks Saragos, "Ever put on someone else's well-worn boots?"

Xionara softly says, "Liraxes said."

Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Madigan asks Valenal, "Forgive the basic question, but why do we care? As soon as our people are back and the Clans are free, why do I give two flips if the Heralds drink pure mana?"

Melindrha says, "Make the feet hurt. Can still walk in em, but toes hate you."

(Ingmak stares at his journel and then slowly writes 'Juice = Mana?'.)

Klausette asks, "So what happens if whoever it is, stops getting pure mana? What happens to them?"

Kethrai blinks at Madigan.

Valenal says to Madigan, "Ah, that is agood question. They are all good questions, but let me field that one first."

Gwenddolyn says, "They weaken and die."

Saragos nods to Madigan.

Madigan bows to Valenal.

Klausette asks, "Can Heralds die?"

Xionara softly says, "Likely."

Klausette blushes a bright red color.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Well, if it is the Heralds... their messengers have said not to do sorcery. And I heard one of them got real, uh, hurt? During that sorcery party."

Xionara nods at Gwenddolyn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha glances at Unaka.

Illiya grins at Unaka, her dimples flashing into view.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Perune says, "After killing Maelshyve I must assume anything can be killed."

Sukidesu leans on Nawain.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "But one of the reasons we're assuming it's the Heralds is because the thief isn't drinking sorcery. That's a circle."

Unaka gazes at Perune with a grim look on her face.

Klausette shifts her weight.

Sukidesu nods to Nawain.

Valenal says, "Normally, you wouldn't care. If the system were chugging along and they were draining whatever they normally do, there would be no issue. But they are pulling so much energy that eventually there will not be enough to sustain all of this."

(Valenal gestures around him.)

Unaka fixes Kethrai with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "You're right. Don't want circles. Hmmm."

Medir asks, "They will drink th'keg dry?"

Madigan asks, "So, the reason we care is if they take all the raw mana, then Elanthia is in jeopardy?"

Lupdels asks Valenal, "And your studies lead you to believe it's just about the juice being drained, there haven't been any problems with ... ah juice being squeezed?"

Nevali says, "It would be good to draw up two different theories, where one considers the thief is the Heralds, and the other theory considers the thief is another entity. Branching theories."

Medir nods.

Illiya says to Medir, "You should offer the thirsty Herald something else to drink."

Valenal says, "The Heralds are literally draining the system dry. And when there is too little juice to sustain it, reality will collapse."

Perune says, "If you have no mana, we're doomed, yes."

Lupdels nods to Nevali.

Shaylynne nods to Illiya.

Valenal nods to Madigan.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Zersha quietly asks Kethrai, "What if it's a Herald but not The Heralds, the one that was in the null prison maybe?"

Unaka says, "That part does make sense."

Gwenddolyn says, "No mana means no magic."

Madigan nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods to Perune.

Allye asks Valenal, "Why would they be draining the system dry after everything staying relatively balanced for so long?"

Lupdels nods to Zersha.

Shaylynne says to Medir, "Maybe they've never had your scotch."

Valenal says, "That is the crux of the issue."

Perune says, "But don't the Heralds have an interest in the stability of this plane? They seem to want it to remain filled with Life."

Lupdels nods to Allye.

Shaylynne says to Medir, "You could be saving the world."

Kethrai quietly says to Zersha, "That honestly seems like the most likely to me."

Melindrha grins at Shaylynne.

Medir observes Shaylynne with fascination.

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Do you think it is possible to do away completely with the Pure juice and just fill the pool with the mixed juice?"

Perune says, "Sorry, I meant the Geralds. Can't even keep the joke going."

Medir gazes up at the sky.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Can we be certain that this is the Heralds, plural, and not one very hungry individual?"

Tirost asks Valenal, "So we have two options? Either fill the glass with sorcerous juice, or eliminate that which is consuming all the pure juice?"

Valenal says, "I'm sorry, please, too many question."

Gwenddolyn says, "They want it to be filled with their life, not ours."

Allye nods to Valenal.

Saragos asks Valenal, "Are you saying the Heralds have always been draining the system dry, and the levels are just now low enough to notice the effects, or has something else happened more recently?"

(Nawain's tired eyes sweep the room as the questions pile up. She sighs and takes another deep drink of her keg.)

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Aerilia says, "Let's give him some space."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Ingmak rubs his head.

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara shakes her head.

Melindrha says, "I like the plane of abiding. It's where I keep my dresses."

Unaka quietly says to Valenal, "Yeah, I like to go slow too. It's okay."

Zersha grins at Melindrha, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan quietly says, "If he starts glowing, best to scatter until we can put him down."

Zersha nods at Melindrha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal says, "Taking these in no particular order, and I do not mean to skip anyone."

Crobin asks, "There is enough room there MEli?"

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Madigan.

Xionara softly says, "Heralds not drain system dry. Heralds exist with system... sym-bi-o-tic-ly."

Melindrha shoves futilely at Crobin.

Tirost nods to Madigan.

Xionara gnaws on her lip.

Xionara gestures at Valenal.

Kethrai nods to Xionara.

Illiya grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara covers her mouth with her hand.

Madigan says to Gwenddolyn, "I am not joking actually. He blew up before."

Valenal says to Saragos, "Here I have to engage in some conjecture, beccause obviously I haven't had very long to observe, in the grand scheme of things."

Ingmak fixes Madigan with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Crobin chuckles.

Ingmak glances at Valenal.

Xionara gazes at Valenal.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Valenal says, "It is likely that a certain background level of drain has been happening at least as long as magic has been a thing."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Eyst says to Allye, "I too wonder what their motive would be. They seem to be the best fit of the obvious choices, but then none of the obvious choices seems to have a motive to do what is being done."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Tirost smiles at Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "And perhaps before that, because the mere movement of mana does generate some energy."

Nawain grinds her teeth.

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Zynell nods to Gragnel.

Gragnel just left.

Xionara nods.

Darkewolff nods.

Aaiyaah whispers something to Tirost.

Valenal says, "So they very well could have been harvesting some off the top to use for...whatever they use it for."

Sukidesu rubs Nawain gently, massaging her muscles.

Allye nods at Eyst, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "And without causing any particular ill effects."

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "The immediate problem is that they are drawing a LOT."

Gwenddolyn shifts her weight.

Unaka asks, "But then they got really thirsty?"

Zersha nods to Allye.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Valenal says, "Yes."

Aerilia nods.

Unaka nods.

Valenal says, "Just so."

Casari says, "Seems like we still need to know why they need more now."

Medir asks, "More than normal?"

Mistanna pets the black dog.

Medir nods.

Klausette asks, "Did they get more thirsty or are more people using other forms of mana?"

Unaka says, "So. They got thirsty, drank even more, juice got low -- wild magic."

Ezerak nods at Casari, obviously agreeing with her views.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Dasheek leans on Illiya.

Valenal says, "Much more than normal. None of us knows what the actual age of the Plane is, but consider that the instability we're seeing has taken just a few years to appear and just a few months to accelerate."

Gwenddolyn says, "So more sorcery means less pure mana."

Crobin shakes Dasheek's hand.

Illiya smiles at Dasheek, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Xionara frowns.

Medir sighs.

Dasheek joins Medir's group.

Valynn furrows her brow.

Ingmak says, "Maybe they having togball game."

Nawain clenches her applewood keg tightly until her knuckles go white.

Xionara begins chortling at Ingmak.

Grinning, Nawain pulls a swig from an itsy-bitsy Ilithic applewood keg reinforced with howlite-studded leather straps.

Medir takes a sip of his scotch.

Nimi blinks at Ingmak.

Lupdels chuckles.

Valenal says, "To Aaiyaah's point, and to another point that was raised, Sorcery can replace energy...to a point..."

Valenal says, "But that is a short-term solution. The mix of juices is also important."

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Aseanaecona says something in Toggish.

Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south.

Kethrai asks, "But more sorcery also means the plane is more porous. Wouldn't that allow more... juice, to leak? Or, maybe even more important, for someone to stick a straw through and start drinking?"

Peace Keeper Vaddon just arrived.

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Aseanaecona.

Nimi nods to Aseanaecona.

Ingmak nods at Aseanaecona, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal says, "To an extent. Imagine you have a...call it a priority list of problems."

Valenal says, "First problem - there is going to be no juice and we all die."

Medir cringes.

Madigan nods to Valynn.

Dasheek nods to Crobin.

Dasheek shakes Crobin's hand.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Ingmak exclaims, "Die?!"

Ingmak widens his eyes like a lunatic.

Klausette ponders.

Valenal says, "I mean, or whatever happens when reality collapses."

Unaka pats Ingmak on the back.

Valenal says, "I suppose you can't die if you don't actually exist."

Illiya grins at Ingmak, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal ponders.

Darkewolff grins slowly.

Aerilia says, "Probably death. Reasonable guess."

Valenal says to himself, "Do NOT get started on that one..."

Zersha blinks at Valenal.

Aerilia furrows her brow.

Medir nods in agreement.

Ruthgar just left.

Gwenddolyn says, "No mana, no raising the dead."

Perune says, "You do, just not in the form as intended."

Perune says, "Very interesting death."

Valynn glances at Valenal.

Klausette fidgets nervously.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "Anyhow, that is the first problem. The second problem is the mix of juices needs to be right."

Lupdels blinks.

Valenal says, "Right within a range, at least."

Darkewolff reaches down and rubs Klausette's back.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Aerilia nods.

Unaka asks, "Balanced?"

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Valenal says, "Balanced...ish."

Dawnsworn Briaen goes east.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Valenal nods to Aaiyaah.

Valynn idly picks at a forest shroud dyed in mottled shades of green and brown.

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Crobin smiles at Valynn.

Aaiyaah asks Unaka, "In the vision from Meraud....do you believe he was trying to show us how to weave the four streams so that we could fill the pool and empower the Immortals?"

Zersha asks Valenal, "But didn't you tell us to do more sorcery? You're now saying that it's taking the pure mana casting, which should mean we need to do more of that to right the balance? Or am I confused?"

Tirost whispers something to Kethrai.

Valenal ponders.

Zersha says, "I should say that I know I'm confused but..."

Zersha chortles softly at some secret joke.

Gwenddolyn says, "He used golden mana, which is holy."

Zersha glances quickly around, looking confused.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Unaka asks, "Maybe the sorcery is better at filling up the cup?"

Valenal says to Zersha, "The answer is complicated but breaks down to this, in my view....basically that, yes."

Valenal grins at Unaka.

Valenal says, "That is very astute."

Unaka says to Aaiyaah, "That sounds like a pretty good guess to me."

Dasheek nods to Crobin.

Eyst says to Valenal, "This begins to make sense. One will perish without food. One may extend that by eating only bread, but he will not be in rude health for long."

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "That and maybe the Heralds are at odds with the Immortals and they need our help. Perhaps Meraud was trying to show us how to help them."

Ruthgar just arrived.

Shaylynne scratches her head.

Valenal says, "Since the Heralds can't use the sorcerous juice, it actually stays in the cup."

Medir ponders.

Valenal nods at Eyst, obviously agreeing with his views.

Zersha says, "But the balance will still be off."

Urbaj says, "We need to keep the pond filled. We simply can't manage that with pure mana, because something is guzzling it. So we do it with sorcery, in the short term, until we find out what's guzzling it. Then we go back to a more reasonable mix. Some sorcery, some pure."

Valenal says, "That is an apt analogy."

Unaka fixes Aaiyaah with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Tirost asks Unaka, "But would it be best to have both? Sorcerous and pure mana casting - just without anything guzzling the juice?"

Valenal nods to Urbaj.

Unaka slowly says to Aaiyaah, "You may be right."

Kethrai whispers something to Tirost.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "We need to rid the Heralds from the use of the pool completely in my humble opinion."

Casari says, "People are going to feel pretty silly if they upset the Heralds by taking away their juice, and then it turns out the Heralds needed it to deal with something even worse."

Unaka says to Tirost, "That sounds pretty good to me too."

Valenal says to Zersha, "Correct. And long-term that will be a problem. But short term, we don't all die."

Zersha gives Valenal a slight nod.

Zersha grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Unaka gives Aaiyaah a slight nod.

Lupdels nods to Casari.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Valenal ponders.

Medir asks, "We might jus' die more spectacularly in the future?"

Xionara nods to Valenal.

Aerilia says to Casari, "Their methods are still disgusting even if that is the case."

Ingmak closes his leather-bound journal.

Xionara softly says, "Much as suspected."

Valenal wryly says to Unaka, "Sorcery is like if stew piled up in the cup, filling it with less juice. But it's still full."

Zersha says, "Then really it sounds like we need to find out what is taking the mana and deal with that, otherwise it's just going to keep getting worse."

Ingmak pats a thick leather-bound journal stamped with the insignia of Asemath Academy.

Valenal nods to Zersha.

Casari says to Aerilia, "Oh, yeah, they're horrible at public relations and strategy."

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Valenal.

Valenal says, "I suspect that is correct."

Shaylynne grins at Dasheek.

Valenal exclaims to Medir, "And maybe!"

(Nawain sighs and collects her saluki puppy from the fountain before returning to lurking on the edges of the gathering.)

Nawain puts her keg in her slender rugursora.

Crobin smiles at Nawain.

Medir mumbles something under his breath.

Valenal asks Saragos, "Sir, you had a very good question that I did not answer at the time. Could you please repeat it?"

Unaka says to Valenal, "So, we do sorcery, make a lot more, uh, stew. Fill the cup up faster."

Valenal says, "I apologize that I have not been able to answer everything as it has come to me."

Valenal bows.

Trajan says, "I think that poisoning the punch, or appeasing the punch thief, or thieves, are both bandage solutions."

Crobin ponders cup of stew

Valenal says to Unaka, "Yes, more or less."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Zersha says to Valenal, "I think you're doing very well considering how fast we all talk and there are a lot more of us than you."

Saragos asks Valenal, "Do you know enough of the entities siphoning off the mana to know if there's a... middle ground of Sorcerous casting that will effectively poison the well entirely for them, while leaving the world still safe and habitable for us?"

Lourpicon goes east.

Zersha grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan grins at Aaiyaah.

Unaka asks Aaiyaah, "You think maybe that's close to what Meraud was saying?"

Aaiyaah grins at Madigan.

Valenal ponders.

Ingmak puts his journal in his student's satchel.

Ingmak lies down.

Ingmak glances up at the sky.

Professor of Medicine Bawb just arrived, leading his group.

Unaka gets a baked ham sandwich from inside her haversack.

Aaiyaah nods to Unaka.

Unaka offers Ingmak a baked ham sandwich.

Ingmak sits up.

Valynn gazes at Ingmak.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "I do."

Ingmak blinks at Unaka.

Ingmak accepts Unaka's ham sandwich.

Saragos says to Valenal, "And yes, I'll loop back to that question, my apologies for throwing out another."

Klausette gazes thoughtfully at Zynell.

Valynn gives a half-hearted grin.

Zersha glances at Allye.

Ingmak beams!

Unaka says to Ingmak, "Food always helps."

Darkewolff nods to Zynell.

Gwenddolyn says, "I think Meraud showed us where the missing five were, and told us that something was drinking the holy mana."

Allye looks thoughtfully at Zersha.

Ingmak nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Klausette scratches her head.

Kethrai asks, "Frankly I still want to know why you don't think the mana-thief drinks sorcery. Wild magic occurs both with pure and sorcerous casting. It seems like it's able to consume it either way?"

Valenal says to Saragos, "I suspect the entities...the Heralds, I think, but we can say entities for now... are in a fight. And a fairly desperate one. They are grabbing as much energy as they can. Focusing on balance now would likely not work."

Klausette shakes her head at Darkewolff.

Xionara frowns.

Valenal says, "Beacuse they'll just grab more of what they can use."

Unaka nods to Kethrai.

Medir ponders.

Crobin nods to Darkewolff.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Do you think this machine taking votes, that steals all of your mana when you vote, is a trick by the heralds to get our mana directly?"

Valenal leans over and scratches Valynn's back.

Valenal scratches his head.

Illiya says, "The machine was made by Liraxes.."

Valenal glances at Gwenddolyn.

Valenal edges away from Gwenddolyn.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "Quite frankly, it seemed by listening to Asildu, that the Heralds are upset with the Immortals for not making us fill up the pool fast enough for them...to forbid us of mixed juice.....the Immortals seem to be fine using either juice type...but the Heralds are the only ones harming us with meteors, not the Immortals."

Trajan says to Valynn, "I have a question, once others have been answered."

Valynn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna just arrived.

Trajan blinks.

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "I don't think wild magic effects are the manifestion of the energy being stolen, just a symtom of the erraticness he described from the low levels of energy."

Trajan says to Valenal, "I have a question, once others have been answered."

Valynn raises an eyebrow.

Trajan says to Valynn, "Pardon."

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Trajan coughs.

Nevali carefully asks, "Seems like it would be a good idea to try and get the Gods and the Heralds to stop their squabbles, make up as family, and work together... can we prove to them that whatever happens, that we're worth keeping around?"

Unaka nods to Aaiyaah.

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Crobin chuckles.

Casari asks, "So, best case scenario, the Immortals are currently usurping the Heralds' place? And then, what... the Immortals win and end up busy dealing with whatever the Heralds usually do? Or worst case, that something else they're fighting becomes our problem directly?"

Valenal says to Gwenddolyn, "They don't need to do that. I'm not sure why they would."

Danger Wizard Dasheek strolls north.

(Sukidesu messes with the wolf ears on his hat and wiggles them a little, just standing near Nawain and paying a bare minimum of attention)

Melindrha says to Nevali, "Oh honey, you never want people to act like family."

Tirost nods to Aerilia.

Unaka says to Aerilia, "Yeah, you've got it I think."

Nawain shakes her head as if clearing it.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Valynn gives Trajan a slight nod.

Dasheek joins Medir's group.

Zersha furrows her brow.

Xionara smirks at Melindrha.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Xionara nods in agreement.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Illiya flashes a quick grin at Melindrha.

Crobin pats Sukidesu on the back.

Aerilia nods.

Zersha gives Allye a half-hearted grin.

Valenal asks Saragos, "Did I answer your question sufficiently?"

Kethrai asks, "Then if not the wild magic effects, how do we know what is being stolen when?"

Saragos asks Valenal, "You answered my other question, so I'll loop back to the one you didn't. Do you have any theories as to why we can only attune to one mana type naturally, and why manipulating streams we are not attuned to requires irrational thoughts and negative states of mind?"

Sukidesu grins at Crobin, his dimples flashing into view.

Lupdels ponders.

Madigan adjusts his half plate.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Ingmak fixes Saragos with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Crobin nods to Sukidesu.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Zersha grins sheepishly at Hebion.

Nevali says, "Sorcery... requires irrational thoughts? That explains SO MUCH about people."

Unaka asks Saragos, "Does that have something to do with wild magic you think?"

A Human peasant wanders into the area.

Dasheek nods to Illiya.

Gwenddolyn says, "I was standing there, not casting magic and my mana replenishing bracelet started flaring, so something was draining my mana."

Gwenddolyn nods to Kethrai.

Klausette looks at Zynell, obviously trying not to grin.

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "By observing the system as a whole, I'd say. We can reasonably tell the energy is being depleted without seeing each instance of it being stolen."

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Valenal says, "I am speculating here, but with a certain amount of justification, I believe."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Klausette grins at Darkewolff.

Nawain narrows her eyes.

Perune says, "It ultimately contributes to our inability to produce vast quantities of the mixed juice."

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Klausette smiles.

Saragos says to Unaka, "I think it's relevant because Valenal seems to be saying that the prohibitions on Sorcery are mostly manufactured by the Heralds' needs. Ok, I'm willing to buy that, but the need for irrational thought implies there might be other reasons that it would be bad."

Crobin produces a muffled snap with the pads of his furry fingers.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Professor of Medicine Bawb goes east, leading his group.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "If we have something else other than the Heralds draining the pool, we then must find a way to get the Heralds and the Immortals to work together instead of being at odds to show us who or what it is. That way we can together find the solution and hammer that nail."

Xionara nods to Malorna.

Gwenddolyn nods to Nawain.

Perune says, "Though I admit this is the first time I've heard anyone so concerned with spell energy itself, rather than mana."

Zersha nods to Aaiyaah.

Kethrai asks Aerilia, "But Valenal's entire argument rests on the mana-thief drinking pure mana but not sorcery. How do we KNOW that's true? Why does he even think that's true?"

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "There is a lot more going on in reality than what we perceive. I...ahh...sort of tapped into that first hand, in my way."

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Unaka slowly says to Aaiyaah, "I think we just make the Heralds stop. However we can."

Forgiven Numinor just arrived.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Aaiyaah nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Numinor joins Xionara's group.

Aaiyaah says, "Then lets make it so. Poison the well. Or in this case, the pool."

Tirost says to Kethrai, "There are visions from the Immortals, and the spires presumably would take a lot of energy that must come from something."

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Nawain.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "I think it's a good question. Save it and ask when he is ready."

Valynn gives Aaiyaah a half-hearted grin.

Valenal says, ""Natural" is probably not the righ word to use for the methods used to attune people now."

Madigan asks, "Unaka, your first message to us was to not trust all the messengers. Why do you trust what Crazy Val is saying?"

Malorna beams!

Madigan raises an eyebrow in Unaka's direction.

Kethrai nods to Unaka.

Mistanna asks Aaiyaah, "Wouldn't that poison all of us?"

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "That's a good question. I'd assume it's based on long term observations, but I'd like to hear answer too."

Numinor leans against a large fountain.

Gwenddolyn leans forward.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Madigan gazes at Unaka.

Trajan says, "Valenal isn't exactly a messenger."

Medir scratches his head.

Aaiyaah says to Mistanna, "I have faith in Meraud. We can find a way to do this without poisoning us all."

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Valenal says, "Rather, we have some methods that reliably work and so we use them. But those methods lock us into rather limited ways of perceiving what we're doing."

Casari says, "Well, he's under the influence of extraplanar creatures."

Unaka says to Madigan, "Yeah, good point. I don't, exactly. But it got to the point that I had to do something, to try to learn something. And I really don't trust those Herald messengers."

Mistanna nods in agreement.

Saragos nods to Aaiyaah.

Trajan says, "He at least doesn't seem to be representing any being."

Numinor examines a gold medallion symbolizing dedication to Truffenyi.

Gwenddolyn nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gwenddolyn says, "Neither do I."

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Kethrai says to Trajan, "Well, he's representing his Elemental passengers, sometimes..."

Madigan says to Unaka, "I don't trust them either. But, I have also seen this one go crazy and blow up people...just on a smaller scale. We have no way to verify what he is saying."

Valenal says to Saragos, "There are other ways to attune and those are not less "natural" than what the guilds do now. They're just a lot more dangerous and less sparing of the subject."

Unaka nods to Madigan.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Medir ponders.

Saragos says to Valenal, "Ok, fair."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "He doesn't represent a cause, and isn't requesting anything, though."

Unaka asks Madigan, "Don't we? Can we do whatever it is he did?"

Unaka scratches her head.

Saragos says to Valenal, "I'd also like to ask the questions in the letter I wrote you, if you've got the space for it. They're related to the research I'm doing to try to rescue our missing people. I also don't want to monopolize your time, though."

Nevali pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Kethrai gazes silently at Valenal.

Valenal says, "Let me take some others. I will stay as long as I can."

Klausette smiles at Nevali.

Saragos nods to Valenal.

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Zersha frowns thoughtfully down at her hands.

Unaka says to Valenal, "Kethrai had a good one."

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Aerilia nods.

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Valenal says, "Trajan is, essentially, correct. I am...basically an observer and a translator, if you like, for beings that otherwise don't have a good grasp of what is going on in Abiding but who are affected by it."

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Valenal bows to Kethrai.

Valenal asks, "Would you please repeat your question, Kethrai?"

Lupdels nods to Valenal.

Kethrai asks Valenal, "Your proposed solution to the problem is based on the idea that the mana-thief is able or willing to steal pure mana, but not sorcery. What makes you think that's the case? How do you know what kind of mana is being stolen, and that sorcery isn't?"

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Xionara glances up at the sky.

Crobin nods to Darkewolff.

Ingmak takes a bite of the sandwich.

Ingmak dusts himself off.

Gwenddolyn asks, "We all sensed an interplanar entity in the area by where Liraxes built the machine, is that what that mana stealing entity was?"

Saragos nods to Kethrai.

Tirost smiles at Aaiyaah.

Saragos says to Kethrai, "Good one."

Nimi takes a sip of her coffee.

Ezerak doffs his top hat.

Ezerak hugs Maraisel, and she wraps her arms around him with a warm smile.

Ezerak waves to Casari.

Valynn quietly says to herself, "Beings that otherwise don't have a good grasp of what is going on in Abiding but who are affected by it."

Mountain Lord Ezerak swaggers east.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Several clues point in that direction, I believe. First, there is a VERY small (at least, I hope so) set of entities that would be capable of harvesting energy in this way."

Trajan asks, "He said that when all the pure mana is syphoned off, it leaves the mixed mana frothing around the rocks at the bottom of the pond, aye?"

Valynn gazes at Valenal.

Trajan asks, "Which causes... turbulance?"

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valynn's direction.

Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south.

Kethrai nods to Valenal.

Gwenddolyn raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Kethrai says, "Granted..."

Melindrha says, "If the regular amount of juice isn't covering the mixed juice."

Melindrha mutters to herself.

Sukidesu leans to his left slightly.

Sukidesu leans to his right slightly.

Zersha gives Allye a slight nod.

Melindrha says, "So this confirms to me that I need to stir the pot."

Valynn gets a thin diary bound in suede from inside her forest shroud.

Valynn unlatches and opens her thin diary.

Madigan smiles at Melindrha.

Gwenddolyn grins at Melindrha, her dimples flashing into view.

Medir ponders.

Sukidesu nods to Nawain.

Aerhys grins at Melindrha, his dimples flashing into view.

Valynn jots down some notes.

Illiya says to Melindrha, "As if you stopped."

Melindrha laughs!

Valynn closes her thin diary, hooking back the latch.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Second, we know the level of juice in the glass has decreased, and that it has increased in response to the... sorcery-thons...that have been held."

Melindrha gives Illiya a smooch.

Tirost chuckles at Illiya.

Illiya just blew Melindrha a kiss.

Valenal says, "And I apologize so much for coining that term."

Trajan says to Melindrha, "You are a professional."

Nawain giggles.

Gwenddolyn chuckles.

Nawain coughs.

Valynn puts her diary in her forest shroud.

Aerilia chuckles.

Melindrha mutters to herself.

Madigan says to Melindrha, "We absolutely need you for the Siege of Knife Clan then for sure. We need pot stir'ers there."

Valenal says, "Which suggests, apart from theory, that the sorcery juice is not being snapped up."

Casari asks Valenal, "Seems like under your theory, the Heralds are using the pure mana to fight either the Immortals or some unknown other thing. Am I right? And if they lose access to enough pure mana, they lose the fight, right? If it's some other thing, that sounds like a problem. If it's the Immortals, then I would assume that the Immortals will have to take over for the Heralds, and that also sounds like a problem if there's no one to do their current job. Did I miss something? Are those bad assumptions? Is there some reason not to be concerned about it?"

Melindrha nods to Madigan.

Sukidesu grins at Nawain, his dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "Third, we know the Heralds got REALLY UPSET at that."

Medir nods to Casari.

Tirost sheathes his haralun sword.

Kethrai asks Valenal, "But you've said that all kinds of casting will generate more energy. So wouldn't it follow that any huge magic-...thon would temporarily cause the level to go back up? Whether sorcerous or pure?"

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Unaka fixes Kethrai with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Nevali frowns.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Unless it just feeds the juice drinker?"

Unaka asks, "Hmmm. Maybe it's more about the mix than the level? The right balance of mix I guess?"

Nevali says, "I've a question, and I hate it."

Medir says to Casari, "It's the third other thing that's a concern. Maybe it's best that they aren't starved in a fight that might have dire consequences for us if it goes th'wrong way."

Valenal says, "Potentially, yes. But I believe the Heralds would simply siphon off any "pure" energy."

Allye grins at Nevali.

Illiya says, "I have a question too."

Aerhys grins at Nevali, his dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "That was generated."

Unaka says to Nevali, "Questions are good."

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Assuming it's the Heralds doing the theft."

Nevali says to Unaka, "I don't like where this one has the possibility of leading thoughts."

Ingmak stands up.

Gwenddolyn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says to Casari, "Those are all cogent remarks and I share your concerns."

Valenal ponders.

Gwenddolyn says, "It could be a third entity."

Ingmak gets an Asemath Academy's student manual from inside his student's satchel.

Valenal says, "But if we do nothing, we will die."

Klausette smiles at Ingmak.

Unaka says to Nevali, "We've gotta look, and just take it. Only way we're going to find a way through this I think."

Kethrai asks, "So if it's the Heralds doing the theft, they'd take only pure mana... And we know they're taking only pure mana, because it's the Heralds doing it?"

Melindrha makes an odd noise like she just inhaled a tart.

Ingmak stands near Valenal.

Nevali slowly empties her lungs.

Ingmak fidgets nervously.

Nevali says to Unaka, "When it's my turn."

Eyst asks Valenal, "Related to that, how best would we produce this sorcerous energy? We have spoken of sorcerous casting, but should we also take this an urge to use genuine sorcerous patterns? Should moon mages be practicing their teleological arts? Or even a necromancer, theirs?"

Kethrai shakes his head.

Lupdels glances at Valenal.

Kethrai says, "I'll yield the floor, I just don't find that convincing at all."

Illiya grins at Medir, her dimples flashing into view.

Nevali nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

(Zersha rubs a finger against the bridge of her nose.)

Melindrha says to Eyst, "Or a Cleric or a War Mage."

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Eyst nods to Melindrha.

Lupdels ponders.

Valynn's skin turns a pasty shade.

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Thanks for asking."

Madigan says, "Nevali has been waiting to ask a question."

Valenal nods.

Madigan says, "And, being exceptionally polite about it."

Klausette ponders.

Madigan smiles warmly.

Valenal says, "Nevali, please ask. I apologize for being so scattered."

Valenal says, "We are trying to hold it together."

Nevali nervously asks, "Well... on the subject of necromancers, or rather... demons. Could it be possible there is another one? Like Maelshyve?"

Kethrai nods to Nevali.

Valenal grins wryly.

Trajan shakes his head at Valynn.

Lupdels raises his hand.

Trajan blinks.

Trajan shakes his head at Valenal.

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

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valynn coughs.

Valenal blinks at Nevali.

Trajan says to Valenal, "You're doing well."

Illiya nods in agreement.

Ingmak glances at Nevali.

Klausette smiles at Crobin.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "What do you find unconvincing?"

Ingmak fidgets nervously.

Unaka says to Nevali, "Yeah. Good question. Whomever we've gotta fight, we'll fight."

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Nimi takes a sip of her coffee.

Trajan says, "I have a question related to that."

Mistanna nods in agreement.

Valenal says to Nevali, "I sincerely hope not. Theoretically, there could be any number of such entities."

Zersha quietly says, "I think I'd prefer spider-ducks to another demon."

Melindrha says, "Pretty sure some people are itching for a proper fight."

Zersha gazes off into the distance.

Valenal nods to Trajan.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Ingmak quietly asks Valenal, "Heard this lecture count for magic elective? Can sign manual so I get credit?"

Ingmak shows Valenal his student manual.

Valenal chuckles at Ingmak.

Nevali says, "Just, there's been necromancers on the gweth saying... implying... that there are other things... and what if they're right."

Zersha grins at Ingmak, her dimples flashing into view.

Klausette looks at Ingmak, obviously trying not to grin.

Tirost grins at Ingmak.

Ingmak offers Valenal an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Trajan asks Valynn, "Is there any way to trace where the mana is being syphoned to?"

Taveryn just arrived.

Valenal accepts Ingmak's student manual.

Unaka says to Madigan, "Been thinking more about it. I think I do trust Valenal more. Just going with my gut, though."

Trajan mutters to himself.

Madigan grins at Valynn.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Is there any way to trace where the mana is being syphoned to?"

Tirost nods to Trajan.

Valenal carefully opens an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Allye trills softly at Unaka.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "The entire argument is based on the idea that pure mana is eaten and sorcery isn't. And I've yet to hear a shred of actual evidence for that."

Tirost says to Trajan, "I would like to know that as well."

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "Ah, I find myself without a pen."

Medir grins at Melindrha.

Valenal frowns.

Valenal offers Ingmak an Asemath Academy's student manual.

Unaka asks Kethrai, "Uhh. Well, any way we could see the answer to that?"

Ingmak accepts Valenal's student manual.

Lupdels gets a raven feather quill from inside his green backpack.

A lilac feather quill suddenly appears.

Madigan says, "Well, the bloody Heralds want pure mana to potentially release the Clans."

Ingmak rubs his head.

Lupdels offers Valynn a raven feather quill.

Valynn blinks at Lupdels.

Lupdels chuckles.

Lupdels winks at Valynn.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "Well, I am hoping to test it out, I suppose. I'm organizing an effort to cast huge amounts of pure-mana spells."

Ingmak quietly says, "No worries. Thank for lecture. Never look at juice same again..."

Gwenddolyn says, "Indeed, my mana was being siphoned by the building before Liraxes built the machine there."

Unaka nods to Kethrai.

Nimi giggles at Ingmak.

Melindrha says, "Speaking of beatdowns, I'm off to go see if people are in the mood tonight."

Melindrha waves.

Lupdels puts his quill in his green backpack.

Melindrha says, "Misbehave."

Shadow's Touch Melindrha saunters east.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Have you inspected the device that Liraxes is constructing? I am curious as to whether or not you can determine how the device can fit in helping us."

Ingmak puts his manual in his student's satchel.

Aerilia says to Unaka, "Asildu has called for adventurers to hold a 'pure mana' casting party. I suppose we'd see if there was a noticeable shift in balance afterwards."

Ingmak waves to Unaka.

Tirost says to Kethrai, "We have a person who called on the beings he's devoted to in order to prove their case, and meteors fell from the sky and spires rose over the clans. That person has commanded us - not asked, as he made clear - to stop socerous casting..."

Unaka says to Kethrai, "Seems like a good test."

Illiya says to Valenal, "I have a question, or rather a clarification, when others are done."

Son of Stone Nulak just arrived.

Nulak sneezes.

Gwenddolyn says, "The device empties the mana of those voing, which is concerning."

Valenal says to Trajan, "That is an excellent question. In theory, it could be possible."

Gwenddolyn says, "Voting."

Casari says to Tirost, "Well, he said the Heralds commanded, specifically."

Nulak says, "I didn't get to vote."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Is that not evidence that a powerful being is using energy and hates the mixing of mana?"

Valenal says to Trajan, "If they are somewhere within the Plane of Abiding."

Valenal nods.

Ingmak stretches his arms.

Ingmak goes east.

Allye nods to Zersha.

Xionara mutters to herself.

Valenal says to Illiya, "Please, go ahead."

Illiya asks Valenal, "I may have missed this in the conversation, but what ultimately are you suggesting we do? Cast more or less sorcery? Or something else entirely to fix the wild magic problem?"

Tirost says to Casari, "He claimed - but we have only heard from him."

Kethrai says to Tirost, "No, that's evidence that the Heralds hate the mixing of mana. And assuming that the Heralds are the ones doing the stealing."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Crobin nods to Zynell.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "If you remove that assumption about the culprit, there's nothing concrete."

Casari says to Tirost, "Just saying... if you're going to say someone did something, it's best to say the thing they actually did."

Nulak asks, "What's a herald?"

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "I wouldn't be surprised if an ancient entity was only able to drink pure mana."

Zersha smiles at Kethrai, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Valenal says to Illiya, "Ultimately, we must do two things. In the short term, cast more sorcery to keep the level of juice in the glass from draining out. But long term, we must figure out what cosmic fight is happening and put an end to it."

Gwenddolyn nods to Lupdels.

Gwenddolyn says, "Good assumption."

Dasheek traces a careful sigil in the air.

Unaka says to Nulak, "Big powerful being, more powerful than the Immortals. But otherwise kinda like a god."

Gwenddolyn says, "Something very old."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Would the spires rise out of no mana? No energy? Or do spires of living vines seem like the work of some entity that's not associated with the Heralds and the primal Elanthia Asildu idolizes?"

Valenal says, "Because if we can't do that, the system will not survive."

Klausette sarcastically says, "No big feat, there."

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Kethrai says to Lupdels, "I wouldn't be surprised if that were true and I wouldn't be surprised if that were false, but we have to know before we can use it to speculate further."

Sukidesu says, "Could be they have an allergy or intolerance for mixed mana."

Sukidesu ponders.

Madigan asks Aaiyaah, "Did he get to your question yet?"

Nulak says, "More powerful? Never heard of it."

Nulak thumps a Dwarven greathelm mounted with thunder ram horns with the back of his hand.

Aaiyaah shakes his head at Madigan.

Madigan shakes Nulak's hand.

Valenal says, "Pumping a ton of sorcerous casting is not a fix."

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valynn nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "Just a stop-gap."

Kethrai asks Tirost, "What do the spires have to do with the mana theft?"

Unaka frowns at Valenal.

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Illiya asks Valenal, "If the entity is stealing pure mana, wouldn't it make sense that we should cast more pure mana in order to maintain the balance between pure and mixed?"

Trajan says, "Bandages on the wound."

Saragos says, "If there is a fight, as much as I hate to say it, as angry at the Heralds as I am, it's worth investigating if the thing they're drawing energy to fight against isn't worse than the Heralds."

Gwenddolyn asks, "Yes what exactly are in the spires?"

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "I guess the question is does sorcery mana split like oil and vinegar after you've shaken it or not in the soup."

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Saragos.

Tirost says to Kethrai, "They seem to be an effect - and a powerful one that did not come from nowhere, thus I posit they may have come from a source of magic, or energy derived from mana."

Allye says to Illiya, "Unless that would empower the thief..."

Aerilia nods.

Trajan nods to Allye.

Trajan says, "It would."

Unaka says to Illiya, "He said that the mixed mana fills the cup a lot more."

Valynn cocks her head at Saragos.

Trajan says, "And we wouldn't be able to keep up with the necessary output."

Valynn ponders.

Illiya says to Unaka, "Ah, that makes sense then.."

Valenal says to Illiya, "I don't think so? The more pure mana casting is done, the more energy will be stolen. It will end up netting out, would be my conjecture."

Gwenddolyn says, "It stays in the cup because the thief wont drink mixed mana."

Klausette nods to Crobin.

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Kethrai says to Tirost, "I certainly agree that they're a powerful effect, but we've always known the Heralds are tremendously powerful. There's nothing to link that to the mana theft."

Xionara nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lupdels nods to Kethrai.

Madigan says, "And, presently the user of raw magic...are the bloody fellows dropping rocks on us."

Nulak asks, "Ok, ok ..so these harrys got a cup, and the immortals put sorceries in it, but the cup is leakin so we need more immortals?"

Gwenddolyn nods at Madigan, obviously agreeing with his views.

Crobin nods.

Unaka gives Madigan a slight nod.

Crobin hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Aerilia says, "We don't understand the motives of the thief. Empowering it could be bad or good. Considering what's been happening, it feels bad."

Crobin just hugged Aaiyaah.

Illiya looks about with a puzzled expression on her face.

Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Crobin shakes Saragos's hand.

Crobin shakes Dasheek's hand.

Aaiyaah hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Aaiyaah with a warm smile.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, " I apologize, please ask your question."

Tirost asks Kethrai, "Do you believe that wild magic is derived from a theft of mana?"

Crobin just hugged Valenal.

Crobin gives Sothios a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Have you inspected the device that Liraxes is constructing? I am curious as to whether or not you can determine how the device can fit in helping us."

Crobin hugs Zynell, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin shakes Darkewolff's hand.

Valynn grins at Crobin.

Lupdels says, "I also have a question, if possible."

Darkewolff shakes Crobin's hand.

Zynell hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Zynell with a warm smile.

Valenal ponders.

Klausette waves to Crobin.

Saragos says, "Again, though, if there is a fight going on, many of these problems come down to the Heralds' complete lack of communication. It seems fairly clear at this point, both from evidence and the words of those who serve them that they just don't care how this impacts us."

Crobin just hugged Nawain.

Illiya says to Allye, "I think the problem is we're not sure exactly who we're helping and we don't know exactly what the thief wants."

Crobin waves to Klausette.

Crobin hugs Allye, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Allye hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Nawain hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Gwenddolyn nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valenal says, "Liraxes and I speak a very different idiom. But to the extent I can make sense of it, I believe it will help, yes."

Valenal nods to Aaiyaah.

Allye nods to Illiya.

Fearless Crobin saunters east.

Trajan says to Illiya, "I think at this point we need to help ourselves."

Aaiyaah asks, "That is good. So what should we do exactly with it?"

Kethrai says to Tirost, "At this point that feels reasonable, yeah. At the very least, we've got multiple angles to believe a theft is happening, it's corresponding to the wild magic, and Valenal gives a good explanation for how one would cause the other."

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Valynn softly says to Valenal, "Apparently we are twins."

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Xionara smirks.

Zersha glances at Valynn.

Zersha glances at Valenal.

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Valenal gives Valynn a wry grin.

Xionara leans back.

Illiya grins at Valynn, her dimples flashing into view.

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Lupdels chuckles at Valynn.

Unaka says to Saragos, "I asked Miraena and Asildu if the Heralds care about us, and they couldn't say yes."

Xionara grins smugly.

Zersha says to Valynn, "Or people need glasses."

Valynn gives Valenal a wry grin.

Madigan asks Unaka, "Asildu said he would ask the Heralds to release clans if we gathered and used raw magic. I think it benefits in the short term, the return of our people. It galls me to do so to assist the thing that did harm to us. Do you have thoughts on this topic?"

Numinor chuckles at Xionara.

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Hebion asks, "Is there any way to find out for sure who the mana thief is?"

Zersha winks at Aerhys.

Tirost says to Illiya, "It is hard not to follow the Immortals in this moment. I don't think they would intentionally imbalance the system and mislead us about it. I can't think of a reason why they would do that."

Aerilia says, "Let's not forget Asildu admitted the Immortals have forsaken him. It's quite clear that They do not like him his motives."

Valynn nods to Zersha.

Tirost nods to Kethrai.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "Help him with the construction, and then interact with it as he tells you. I am hoping what he has built is a lever."

Nevali says to Madigan, "He also said he couldn't communicate with them, but could yell and hope."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Eyst asks Valenal, "May I ask a question about the general use of this pool of energy?"

Madigan nods to Nevali.

Madigan praises Nevali.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Well, if I were looking for someone stealing my juice, I'd try to catch them doing it. Or I might look at when the cup is getting low and look for someone with juice on their face."

Unaka quietly says, "Not sure if that's helpful."

Zersha giggles at Unaka.

Aaiyaah says to Valenal, "Thank you so much for your explanations tonight."

Medir chuckles at Unaka.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Please do."

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Hebion asks Unaka, "Can we infuse some food coloring into the juice to make it more obvious?"

"Burn her! Burn her!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Sofina a wide berth!

Gwenddolyn chuckles at Unaka.

Illiya says to Tirost, "I'm on your side, but I also feel that the existence of a battle between Heralds and Immortals is conjecture in and of itself. I don't think we can be certain who we are helping."

Sofina grumbles.

Saragos asks Valenal, "Something I mentioned in my letter, but I think is relevant to the conversation at hand - we've seen no-color flashes and afterimages from many of the Sorcerous castings we've done recently. I've theorized that this no-color could possibly be a visible effect the energy you speak of entering the system from large castings. Can you confirm that?"

Nawain snorts, loudly.

Unaka fixes Hebion with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "I hope I am making sense. I understand...oh, that happened."

Malorna chuckles.

Sukidesu sighs.

Eyst says to Valenal, "How is it used under normal circumstances? It seems as if the heralds draw some of it as a matter of course. Do the immortals as well? Other planar entities? Basically, how many entities are drinking from this bowl."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Tirost nods to Illiya.

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Happens more than you'd think."

Hebion says, "I don't want to blame the wrong person at the punchbowl."

Unaka says to Hebion, "Hmmm. I like that idea. Dunno if it's possible, but I'd do it."

Lupdels asks Valenal, "Could you share with us how your elemental entity friends have experienced the mana surges on their plane?"

Trajan says to Madigan, "I think Asildu was very pointedly non-committal in his answer to you."

Casari says, "He was pretty committed to trying. He couldn't guarantee an effect."

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Dasheek leans on Illiya.

Xionara pats Valenal on the back.

Illiya rubs Dasheek gently, massaging his muscles.

Tirost says to Illiya, "But I am quite certain we're helping Asildu, who has no qualms about what happened to the clans, if we choose to forego all sorcerous casting and provide whatever he serves with nothing but pure mana."

Madigan says, "That is the way I recall it Casari."

Perune goes east.

Valenal says to Saragos, "I believe that is correct, yes."

Valenal nods to Saragos.

Urbaj says, "I wonder if the frequent sorcerous backlashes a result of there being too much mixed mana in the pool."

Urbaj ponders.

Hebion ponders.

Madigan asks Unaka, "I had a qustion a moment ago, you may have missed it. I can repeat it if you are ready to answer or discuss?"

Kethrai blinks at Urbaj.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Lupdels asks Kethrai, "Curious that the message of the Heralds, supposedly, was no sorcery, when if they were focused on draining the punchbowl shouldn't they have started with more pure mana, instead of waiting so long until now?"

Kethrai frowns thoughtfully.

Casari looks thoughtfully at Urbaj.

Unaka says to Madigan, "Oh, yeah. I did miss it. Sorry. Go ahead."

Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.

Zersha nods to Allye.

Zersha clears her throat.

Zersha says, "A few of us will be talking after this about holding a pure mana party, if there's anyone I haven't spoken to that would like to join us."

Aaiyaah whispers something to Tirost.

Zersha blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Kethrai says to Lupdels, "One would think."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Mistanna nods to Zersha.

Aerhys joins Zersha's group.

Saragos says to Urbaj, "It could also be that if the streams are constricted, due to being stretched around debris at the bottom of the bucket when the level is low, they could be more likely to collide with each other accidentally, making more backlashes."

Allye nods to Zersha.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Most of that would be raaaaampant speculation on my part. I have a little bit of a different perspective, but I am not on the level with any of those entities. Or anywhere close."

Madigan asks Unaka, "Asildu said he would request the Heralds relese the clans if we held a gathering to generate raw mana. It galls me to assist someone under those circumstances. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Hebion joins Zersha's group.

Trajan says, "I think feeding the mana thieves seems like a bad idea."

Aerhys grins at Zersha, his dimples flashing into view.

Allye angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Gwenddolyn.

Zersha grins at Aerhys, her dimples flashing into view.

Casari says to Urbaj, "If you're right, then it could be that it's just going to get worse and worse until sorcery is basically impossible. So... nothing BUT balance would be able to keep the bowl full."

Illiya says to Tirost, "I don't like to negotiate with those who would threaten us either, but if what Asildu said about the Heralds' complete inability to understand beings as small as us is true maybe they simply lacked an opportunity to provide positive reinforcement before this."

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Unaka frowns.

Sukidesu rubs his head.

Nawain pats Sukidesu on the back.

Gwenddolyn nods to Allye.

Urbaj says to Saragos, "But backlashes haven't gotten better like other wild magic has after we fill the pool."

Kethrai says to Trajan, "Or perhaps we'll find out that pure mana doesn't feed the mana thieves any more than sorcery does."

Tirost says to Illiya, "If they can target a specific clan, I think they know what they are doing. It's hard to interpret that as anything other an a punishment met to force people into submission."

Zersha says to Trajan, "There's also a chance we lure whatever it is out."

Nawain nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

Zersha grins at Trajan, her dimples flashing into view.

Saragos says to Urbaj, "Interesting, I didn't know that. I love the work, you're doing by the way. Incredible respect."

Klausette grins.

Eyst says to Valenal, "Even any evidence that other creatures besides the Heralds are capable of taking from it would be of interest, and relevant when we are speaking of whether there could be an unknown entity out there that is the true antagonist."

Kethrai says, "Can't find out if we don't check."

Aaiyaah says to Illiya, "I rather have the Immortals doing our negotiating with the Heralds for us."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "With all due respect, I think that's what we've been learning here tonight."

Aerilia nods to Tirost.

Valenal ponders.

Gwenddolyn asks, "If we give them what they demand then what makes you think they won't do it again because they got what they wanted?"

Illiya says to Aaiyaah, "Me too but we don't know what their interactions are now."

Kethrai says to Trajan, "That's what Valenal has been saying all night. That doesn't mean he's right."

Aaiyaah nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Urbaj smiles at Saragos.

Unaka says to Madigan, "I wanted to wait until I understood more to get to that. I'm thinking I'm real angry at the Heralds at this point."

Kethrai says to Valenal, "No offense."

Eyst says, "But if that is still an unknown then I certainly understand."

Trajan nods to Zersha.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Darkewolff smiles at Zynell.

Valenal dryly says to Kethrai, "None taken."

Zynell forces Sothios out of her group.

Tirost gazes at Unaka.

Valenal says, "But perhaps it would be good to be skeptical faster."

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Lupdels's eyes widen as he suppresses a cough and a puff of smoke comes out of his nostrils.

Aerilia says to Tirost, "I think they understand us more than they let on if they've resorted to making examples of people. There's a clear intended effect."

Trajan says to Kethrai, "He seems to be more educated on the topic than any of us."

Hebion asks, "Are we sure the spires aren't just devices to help them siphon more pure magic?"

Zynell stands up.

Madigan says to Unaka, "For me, the Code (if you follow it) requires that we protect the Innocent. We have to find a way to get the Clans free."

Zynell carefully gathers up the delicate folds of a night-black starlight velvet prayer tapestry stitched with loimic and fey-bone.

Tirost nods to Aerilia.

Zynell puts her tapestry in her encompassing shadows.

Madigan nods to Unaka.

Illiya says to Tirost, "I'll give anyone a chance once I guess. But if they don't keep their end of the deal, then we have our answer."

Valynn gazes thoughtfully at Hebion.

Zynell chortles softly at some secret joke.

Zersha says, "I don't have a code but I agree that we should try to save and protect those who aren't as strong as we are."

Zersha grins at Madigan, her dimples flashing into view.

Nawain gives a slight nod.

Valenal says to Eyst, "Alright, rampant speculation. The Heralds can for sure use it. They...don't have to follow the rules, to a great extent."

Unaka says to Madigan, "I had a talk with Truffenyi about this, but let me listen first to Valenal a little more. I like to do things one at a time."

Tirost nods to Illiya.

Aaiyaah says, "I hate to say this as I want to act as much as anyone, but I would feel ALOT better knowing who is actually stealing the pure juice."

Madigan praises Unaka.

Gwenddolyn says, "Holding the clans hostage to demand our pure mana is wrong on so many levels."

Hebion says to Valynn, "If I were called to protect someone, but I didn't have the energy, the first step would be to gain that energy."

Soul Surgeon Zynell patters east, leading her group.

Gwenddolyn nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Eyst gives a slight nod.

Madigan says to Unaka, "Just so. We are storming Knife Clan in a few days. I hope to see you on the field with us."

Madigan grins at Unaka.

Mistanna nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valynn nods at Hebion, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hebion says, "If the spires help return our world to an older more pure state, it could potentially generate that energy they need."

Hebion shrugs.

Unaka grins at Madigan.

Madigan says to Unaka, "Warm up that sword arm a bit."

Trajan says to Zersha, "As for luring out the culprits, I think in this case, we may get more flies with vinegar than honey. Poisoning their well seems to get them awfully upset."

Valenal says, "The Immortals...possibly? Probably? They have to interact (at least, I believe so) with reality more or less as it exists, if that makese sense, or cause a lot of damage."

Kethrai says to Aaiyaah, "Bet you a hundred plat it's the Rogue Gardener, for lack of a better name."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Zersha says to Trajan, "Or did we just upset the Heralds and NOT what is actually taking the mana? There are a lot of questions we don't have answers to and a lot of guessing."

Zersha looks at Trajan and shrugs.

Nawain nods to Kethrai.

Lupdels says to Kethrai, "Hungry Gardener."

Xionara softly says, "Mana tick."

Valenal says, "And on some level, anyone can use it."

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Allye trills softly at Kethrai.

Illiya says to Kethrai, "I think most people have settled on that theory."

Valenal ponders.

Numinor chuckles at Xionara.

Nawain says, "Enemy."

Nawain makes a grunting noise.

Gwenddolyn says, "I think the rogue gardener would also be called the Hunger, for mana."

Sukidesu nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

Xionara nods to Gwenddolyn.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Kethrai says, "Haven't got a full chain of evidence to support it, but it's what my gut says."

Lupdels asks, "If we poison pure mana does that not risk poisoning those who use pure mana?"

Valenal says, "If you start a fire, all the physical processes involved in that require energy."

Xionara softly says, "Possible."

Zersha says, "I don't think it's a demon."

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "How can we trace who is stealing the pure juice?"

Illiya asks, "Thirsty Gardener?"

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Valenal says, "But you're sort of just moving it around."

Lupdels says, "Juice Stealing Gardener."

Zersha grins at Lupdels, her dimples flashing into view.

Madigan nods to Illiya.

Zersha nods at Lupdels, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost asks Valenal, "Could something created or empowered by the Heralds be responsible for drinking... er, using all the pure mana energy for some purpose?"

Gwenddolyn says, "Demons are soul rippers, mana stealers are not."

Aerilia says to Kethrai, "Begs the question why they haven't dealt with their gardener, if they're paying close enough attention to punish people for sorcery."

Valenal looks thoughtfully at Tirost.

Allye gazes at her wine.

Lupdels says, "Punchbowl Pilferer."

Kethrai says to Illiya, "I don't think so, since we spent most of this meeting assuming it was the Heralds. Plural."

Valynn ponders.

Lupdels ponders.

Trajan says, "I think we're going to need a bigger bowl."

Valenal says, "Pure speculation....possibly? It's like asking "could a being that can do anything create a thing that can do anything."

Illiya says to Kethrai, "Oh, well.. I guess I wasn't paying attention to that part."

Lupdels chuckles at Trajan.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Unaka rubs her head.

Madigan says, "Well, the one thing we know is who likes dropping meteors on us."

Unaka nods to Valenal.

Valenal nods to Madigan.

Valenal says to Madigan, "I think that is a "clue"."

Trajan nods to Madigan.

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Is that what Liraxes' device could help us do? Generate enough of a source of pure juice maybe for us to literally track who takes it?"

Aerilia nods to Madigan.

Kethrai says to Aerilia, "Possibly because they're so bad at understanding individuality and difference."

Saragos nods to Madigan.

Madigan grunts at Valenal.

Tirost nods to Madigan.

Valynn gazes down at her hands.

Zersha lays her hand on Valynn's arm.

Kethrai says to Aerilia, "Wouldn't even occur to them that one of their own could go rogue."

Eyst says, "I would expect so. On some level we would just call that a thing reproducing."

Zersha dimples at Valynn.

Allye stands up.

Lupdels says to Aerilia, "The visions suggest it may be older than them and they don't know about it."

Allye stands near Valynn.

Madigan says to Valenal, "I don't bloody know. That is for the smart people to figure out. My job is to stop them from dropping more rocks if we can."

Medir stands up.

Valenal says, "I apologize so much for missing so many points. I want to speak with all of you but I am, at best, one person."

Gwenddolyn asks, "The real question is who took the five and why? If it was the Heralds, was that their second bargaining chip to get what they wanted if the meteors did not work?"

Valynn gives Allye a half-hearted grin.

Illiya grins at Valenal, her dimples flashing into view.

Valynn wraps her arm around Allye's shoulder in a friendly hug.

Illiya asks Valenal, "And at worst 5?"

Shaylynne hugs Medir, who wraps his arms around Shaylynne with a warm smile.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Unaka says, "Yeah. Let's slow down."

Trajan pats Valenal on the back.

Valenal nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Medir hugs Shaylynne, who wraps her arms around Medir with a warm smile.

Darkewolff smiles at Klausette.

Kethrai says, "Mmph, I need to go take care of other business."

Aaiyaah grins at Tirost.

Xionara softly says, "No longer 5. Saw at least one go back to earth."

Lupdels nods to Kethrai.

Xionara chuckles.

Ozursus walks quietly into the area.

Kethrai says to Zersha, "I'll be in touch about the pure-mana party..."

Zersha nods to Kethrai.

Zersha smiles at Kethrai, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kethrai nods to Nevali.

Illiya asks Zersha, "Are you hosting it?"

Unaka says, "Okay. I'm gonna ask people to raise hands, and I'll point to 'em when Valenal is ready."

Valenal says to Kethrai, "I will watch that event with great interest."

Aerilia says to Lupdels, "Maybe so. But if their greater senses can't identify what's happening to the mana ecosystem at large.. well, it doesn't inspire confidence in them."

Lupdels raises his hand.

Aaiyaah raises his hand.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Zersha says to Illiya, "I think there's a group of us working on it."

Unaka says, "So, go ahead and raise your hand if you have a question that he hasn't answered yet."

Tirost raises his hand.

Zersha gestures at Kethrai.

Zersha gestures at Madigan.

Medir offers Darkewolff a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch.

Zersha gestures at Allye.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Madigan nods to Hebion.

Darkewolff says to Medir, "Thanks, I am going to need this."

Unaka points at Lupdels.

Darkewolff accepts Medir's scotch.

Eyst says to Valenal, "Thank you for your willingness to speculate. I understand that can be fraught with peril when trying to instruct."

Medir chuckles.

Lupdels smiles at Unaka.

Darkewolff smirks.

Madigan nods to Aaiyaah.

Klausette smiles.

Raising his scotch to Medir, Darkewolff gives him a toast.

Saragos nods to Eyst.

Illiya says to Zersha, "Let me know when it's going to happen if you don't mind."

Valenal says, "Thank you. It is getting more difficult to keep everyone, ah, contained. But I can stay for some time yet."

Trajan raises his hand. Nevali raises her hand.

Kethrai says to Valenal, "Thank you for coming to answer questions. Much as I may be a tough crowd, I honestly appreciate the opportunity."

Zersha says to Illiya, "Happily! Once we get it planned."

Zersha laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Lupdels says to Valenal, "Could you share the perspective of yoru elemental entity friends how they are experiencing the mana surges on their plane? I understand their planes aren't like the plane of abiding, no space or dimensions or something."

Stellar Statistician Urbaj strolls east.

Allye nods to Medir.

Gwenddolyn ponders hopes he doesnt mean himself contained

Allye hugs Medir, who wraps his arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Valenal says to Kethrai, "Skepticism is a survival skill."

Medir hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Kethrai says to Unaka, "And thank you for being a great referee."

Valenal says, "Just have to be fast about it."

Kethrai gives Unaka a wry grin.

Medir nods politely.

Tirost grins at Valenal.

Medir walks south.

Unaka flashes a wide grin at Kethrai.

Mistanna stifles a yawn.

Mistanna waves.

Mistanna salutes before turning and wandering off to find some rest.

Valenal looks thoughtfully at Lupdels.

Trajan nods politely to Kethrai.

Kethrai just left.

Lupdels tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Zersha hugs Aerhys, who wraps his arms around Zersha with a warm smile.

Darkewolff takes a sip of his scotch.

Klausette shakes her head at Darkewolff.

Aerhys hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Aerhys with a warm smile.

Klausette smiles at Darkewolff.

Unaka says, "I'm a great player, really. Nobody likes the ref."

Darkewolff puts his scotch in his encompassing shadows.

Valynn leans against a large fountain.

Madigan says, "Poor OZursus has never seen this many students in one area."

Allye grins at Unaka.

Shaylynne declares her sudden desire to take a hike as she blends into her surroundings.

Gwenddolyn nods to Madigan.

Tirost chuckles at Madigan.

Lupdels raises his tankard, drinking deeply from the dark ale inside.

Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.

Valenal says, "I am not sure I can."

Gwenddolyn says, "We did lectures here so he has."

Lupdels nods to Valenal.

Valenal says, "Absurdly little of what they experience has any kind of translation into something we would recognize as...anything."

Aseanaecona just left.

Stalwart Ruthgar goes east.

Lupdels nods.

Madigan puts his coffee in his traveler's pack.

Klausette nods to Darkewolff.

Aerilia ponders.

Valenal says, "There is literally almost no frame of reference in common."

(Valynn dangles her fingertips in the cool water of the fountain.)

Nawain gets a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image from inside her slender rugursora.

Illiya clasps Dasheek's hand tenderly.

Nawain offers Madigan a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image.

Madigan says, "Alright friends. Take care. Everyone, thanks for your efforts in figure this stuff out."

Madigan accepts Nawain's zucchini sandwich.

Madigan bows to Nawain.

Darkewolff nods at Klausette, obviously agreeing with her views.

Madigan puts his sandwich in his traveler's pack.

Madigan raises his hand in a quick salute.

Sir Madigan goes east.

Aerhys beams at Zersha!

Valynn nods.

Field Medic Darkewolff walks east, leading his group.

Aerhys joins Zersha's group.

Lupdels smiles at Valenal.

Nawain gets a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image from inside her slender rugursora.

Valenal says, "What I did in my research was create a...call it a lense... that allows something projected through from their end to refact into our end."

Nawain offers Saragos a zucchini sandwich decorated with a zephyr-shaped image.

Valenal says, "And the reverse."

Saragos accepts Nawain's zucchini sandwich.

Gwenddolyn asks, "Like a telescope?"

Valenal says, "But I truly have no idea if that reflection is in any way actually mapping onto something real on the other side."

Valenal says, "If tha makes sense."

Lupdels says to Valenal, "Fascinating."

[General] Your mind hears Madigan thinking, "Yes...whenever you are free Unaka and have considered the issue."

Unaka nods.

Xionara softly says, "Interesting."

Unaka points at Aaiyaah.

Hebion asks, "Can you make a lens to help us see who the culprit is at the punchbowl?"

Valenal says, "Sometimes, I am fairly sure, we are not communicating at all."

Lupdels nods.

Unaka says, "Raise hands for questions."

Stars' Silence Kystrk just arrived.

Aerilia raises her hand.

Illiya gets a plate of fresh baked honey-glazed biscuits stuffed with ham and served with a creamy alfredo cheese sauce from inside her shopping bag.

Dasheek wraps his arms lovingly around Illiya, snuggling close.

Illiya offers Dasheek a plate of fresh baked honey-glazed biscuits stuffed with ham and served with a creamy alfredo cheese sauce.

Dasheek accepts Illiya's honey-glazed biscuits.

Trajan says to Valenal, "Try shadow puppets."

Tirost raises his hand.

Unaka says to Aaiyaah, "Your turn."

Aaiyaah asks Valenal, "Is that what Liraxes' device could help us do? Generate enough of a source of pure juice maybe for us to literally track who takes it? Maybe with the use of your lens?"

Dasheek takes a bite of the biscuits.

Unaka says to Tirost, "You already raised. My memory isn't that bad."

Tirost grins at Unaka.

Saragos raises his hand.

Tirost says to Unaka, "Sorry. Just wanted to make sure. It was chaos in here."

Unaka nods to Tirost.

Trajan nods to Tirost.

Unaka says, "Yeah. I need some juice."

Zersha nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.

Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.

Valenal says to Aaiyaah, "It's possible. I believe he is creating a very complicated computation device...basically an in intellectual lever? What he will do with it, I am unsure."

Aerilia chuckles.

Trajan says, "Academic chaos is one of the best kinds of chaos."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Lupdels yawns expansively.

Valynn gets a tankard of Skalliweg's brew from inside her traveler's pack.

Lupdels says, "Fascinating discussion but I must be going on."

Lupdels just left.

Valenal says, "But it could enable the kinds of information processing you would need to track that energy flow."

Valynn offers Unaka a tankard of Skalliweg's brew.

Valenal nods to Unaka.

Unaka accepts Valynn's Skalliweg's brew.

Unaka guzzles down some of her brew and then smacks her lips and wipes them with her sleeve.

Valenal asks, "Who is next?"

Unaka says, "Thanks."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka points at Tirost.

Valynn nods to Unaka.

Valenal nods to Tirost.

Unaka says to Tirost, "Go."

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Illiya raises her hand.

Valenal says, "I can stay for one more after this, I think."

Tirost asks Valenal, "My question is similar to Sir Aaiyaah's. Unaka suggested the way to find what might be drinking all the juice is to look for the one with juice on their face... what might that look like Can you advise us as to the best method to find the true source of whatever's draining energy from the system?"

Aerhys nods to Zersha.

Dasheek lets out a hearty cheer for Valenal!

Valenal says, "That is a very apt suggestion on her part, and on Sir Aaiyaah's."

Valenal says, "There are basically two things, I think. I have done these on a smaller scale and you can do them on a larger, potentially, by monitoring which entities respond to which events."

Zersha leans on Aerhys.

Aerhys leans on Zersha.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Valenal says, "After each Sorcery event, the Immortals seemed to be pleased and the Heralds were displeased. At least, to judge from the results."

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Tirost nods to Valenal.

Malorna says, "Except when the drakes came."

Valenal says, "If the upcoming "pure" magic event happens, you might be able to observe one or the other acting suspiciously."

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Valenal says, "If what I suspect is correct, there is a titanic struggle occuring."

Zersha gives Valenal a slight nod.

Valenal says, "And the players have eschewed subtlety."

Aaiyaah nods to Valenal.

Tirost frowns.

Tirost says to Valenal, "Thank you."

Valenal says, "So they likely will not attempt to hide their interventions."

Valenal nods to Tirost.

Valenal wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Illiya says, "I wish they would just come down here so we could kill them already."

Valenal says, "I will take one more question, and then I must depart."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Nevali begins an eerie, warbling wail of despair.

Unaka points at Trajan.

Tirost nods at Aaiyaah, obviously agreeing with his views.

Illiya looks with concern at Valenal.

Unaka says to Trajan, "Yours."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Aerilia gestures, and a water ball forms in her hand.

Allye quietly says, "Please excuse me. Thank you for the interesting lecture."

Aerilia offers Valenal a water ball.

Unaka guzzles down some of her brew and then smacks her lips and wipes them with her sleeve.

Illiya hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Sukidesu bobs his head courteously and gives the brim of his wolf-eared hat a slight tug.

Zersha smiles at Allye, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Allye hugs Valynn, getting a smile in return.

Unaka lets loose with a loud belch and rubs her belly!

Zersha hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Valynn hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Valenal exclaims to himself, "Yeah, we want to see the fire sprites again!"

Allye hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Valenal sighs.

Valenal accepts Aerilia's water ball.

Valenal smiles at Aerilia.

Xionara softly says, "Uh oh."

With a small wave of farewell and an impish grin, Allye whirls around and runs from the area.

Aerilia smiles at Valenal.

Xionara glances at Valenal.

Kystrk nods.

Nulak sneezes.

Son of Stone Nulak tramps east.

Malorna gazes at Valenal.

Valenal says to Trajan, "Please, go ahead."

Aerhys bows to Hebion.

Trajan asks Valenal, "Finding the culprits seems paramount, but in addition to that, is there any way to block the pond, to prevent access?"

Aerhys hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Aerhys with a warm smile.

Zersha pulls Aerhys to her in a tight hug.

Valynn smiles at Aerhys.

Hebion nods politely to Aerhys.

Aerhys bows to Valynn.

Aerhys waves.

Valynn nods to Aerhys.

Aerhys catches Zersha up in a fierce embrace, swinging her around exuberantly.

Zersha giggles at Aerhys.

Courtier Aerhys goes east.

Valenal says, "That is a good question, but I don't think so. At least, no way that I can figure. If it were possible, I suspect the Heralds would have done it by now."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

Xionara softly says, "Hrm."

Valenal says, "In order to force the Plane of Abiding into a "pure" state free of outside influence."

Valenal takes a drink from his water ball.

Eyst says to Valenal, "You should track down the Atik'ets as well if you're going to view fire sprites."

Hebion asks Unaka, "Could that be the purpose of our tacklebox?"

Trajan asks Valenal, "So there's no way to prevent someone from siphoning mana out of the pool?"

Unaka says to Valenal, "Thanks for coming and talking about all this."

Valenal firmly says to Eyst, "We are definitely not going to see fire sprites."

Valenal says to himself, "Aw, come onnn..."

Unaka fixes Hebion with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Boxes are for keeping the right things in and the wrong things out."

Malorna says, "Think we tiring him..."

Valenal says to Trajan, "As far as I can figure, it shouldn't be possible. Move it around in the pool, sure...but not remove it."

Nevali says, "Well... that mostly answers my question..."

Trajan nods to Valenal.

With a faint pop, the water ball that Valenal is holding bursts with a tiny splash of water.

Trajan says to Valenal, "Thank you."

Valenal slowly empties his lungs.

Hebion asks Unaka, "Exactly. Can we put the pond in our tacklebox?"

Saragos says to Valenal, "I've condensed my questions from the letter down to one. I know you're done - I'll send it along again to you in another letter and perhaps you can answer another time. Thanks for taking the time, I really appreciate it."

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Dasheek shakes his head.

Nevali asks Valenal, "Do you think lunar mana is lime flavored, or more sweet cream or vanilla?"

Valenal bows to Saragos.

Unaka says to Hebion, "Don't know for sure, but I don't think so."

Valenal says, "I will look forward to it."

Xionara gets a little navy lunchbox painted with the portrait of a Prydaen from inside some nebulous enshrouding clouds of soft white smokewhorl.

Xionara opens her navy lunchbox.

Valenal says to Nevali, "I think it must taste like lavendar tea."

Nevali says, "Awful."

Nevali says, "Simply awful."

Valenal says, "Good morning, everyone."

Valenal bows.

Illiya says, "Thank you both for your time."

Tirost says to Valenal, "Thank you for meeting with us. You have been very patient, and have given many of us a sense of hope."

Zersha curtsies gracefully to Valenal.

Trajan bows to Valenal.

Xionara bows her head, acknowledging Valenal.

Aerilia nods to Valenal.

Eyst nods politely to Valenal.

Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Valenal.

Rhainn curtsies to Valenal.

Aerilia says, "Be well."

Kystrk yawns expansively.

Stars' Silence Kystrk drifts south.

Valenal steps into a shadow and is simply gone!

Valynn places a hand on her chest and bows her head.

Aaiyaah sweeps a gold-inlaid tyrium great helm accented with royal blue off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Numinor nods politely.

Illiya curtsies to Unaka.

Marienn tilts her head to one side.

Intern Rhainn goes east.

Unaka says, "Okay, Valenal has to go, but I can stay a bit longer if people want to talk to me. I know I don't know as much."

Stellar Statistician Urbaj just arrived.

  • Valenal returns home from a hard day of adventuring.

Trajan nods politely to Unaka.

Aaiyaah asks Unaka, "Talk soon I hope?"

Aerilia smiles at Unaka.

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Nevali says, "No wonder the Heralds hate sorcery. Who mixes lavender tea with anything."

Nawain slowly empties her lungs.

Eyst ponders.

Aerilia asks Unaka, "Have you voted in Liraxes' machine, if you don't mind me asking?"

Sukidesu pets a shaggy husky puppy.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Firehawk Casari goes east.

Trajan says to Valynn, "And thank you for your patience."

Gwenddolyn says, "I did."

Trajan adds to Valynn's praises.

Unaka blinks at Aerilia.

Tirost quietly says to Saragos, "All of that was fascinating."

Saragos nods to Tirost.

Nevali pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

Nawain says, "No fountains, Miss Wiggles. People drink from that. Probably."

Valynn looks at Trajan, obviously trying not to grin.

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "We should consider holding another vigil."

Unaka asks, "Oh. There's a machine?"

Aerilia grins at Unaka.

Nawain winces.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Nawain gives Aaiyaah a slight nod.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Nawain asks Aaiyaah, "To whom?"

Unaka rubs her head.

Sukidesu says, "I'm curious to see what the results of that...voting, will do."

Malorna says, "Mine been bating the entire time."

Aerilia says, "By the spider infested house, west and south of the western gate."

Malorna grins at Nawain.

Valynn pulls the hood of her shroud up.

Eyst nods at Sukidesu, obviously agreeing with his views.

Tirost smiles at Valynn.

Nawain grins at Malorna.

Zersha blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Illiya asks Unaka, "May I ask what your impressions are after hearing Valenal's explanations?"

Valynn nods politely to Tirost.

Unaka says, "Wait, right, Valenal talked about the machine some. But. I guess I should learn more about it before I do a thing with it."

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "That is where we all should work together and decide whom the best Immortal we should hold it for."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Valynn gazes silently at Aaiyaah.

Marienn tilts her head to one side.

Valynn just tried to pull some dark brown leather thigh-boots.

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Saragos says to Tirost, "I'm being skeptical of my own emotions, since I'm really angry at the Heralds. I was intending to just focus on the kidnapping, but I think I may have been convinced to take a side. Asildu and Miraena seemed to make it clear that the choice was between the Heralds and the Immortals, and I feel like that's an easy choice to make."

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says to Illiya, "I decided I trust the guy more than I thought. Seems like he knows things and isn't lying. But that's just my gut."

Valynn idly picks at some dark brown leather thigh-boots.

Valynn scans the area briefly.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "And I think I understand a lot more now that we've got the Juice theory."

Tirost nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hebion praises Saragos.

Malorna says, "Gave us info to watch the responses."

Malorna nods.

Kulaka talna Ibin Nimi goes east.

Aerilia nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Valynn goes north.

Nevali sighs.

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Aaiyaah says to Nawain, "If you would discuss with Maintain and other clerics you trust and let us know, we will get to work putting it together."

Zersha smiles at Saragos, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Illiya asks Unaka, "Who does your gut tell you is behind all this?"

Nawain nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says, "I think it's the Heralds."

Eyst says, "The juice theory was quite elucidating."

Gwenddolyn nods to Unaka.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Illiya ponders.

Illiya asks Unaka, "Any particular reason why?"

Zersha cocks her head at Hebion.

Gwenddolyn says, "And they are covering up the truth, Miraena, but Asildu is starting to spill the truth now."

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Zersha smiles at Hebion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zersha curtsies gracefully.

Zersha waves to Illiya.

Hebion nods politely.

Unaka says, "I know that Kethrai had some good questions. But I feel like the Heralds are the ones getting mad over sorcery. And Asildu got mad and then the Clans went down."

Desert Dancer Zersha goes east, leading her group.

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Nevali miserably says, "I think we should work to find a middle-ground between the Herlads and gods, put aside all emotions for as long as we can, as mortals, and truly map out the whole structure of events, starting with the creation of our world."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Those two together seem like they are attacking our people, and they want us to act a certain way -- no sorcery."

Saragos says to Nevali, "I agree in principle, but we might not have time for all that."

Gwenddolyn says, "The Heralds don't care if we survive, it is all about their needs."

Aerilia says, "Even if the Heralds themselves aren't the ones draining the juice, I think someone they had a hand in making may be."

Illiya nods to Unaka.

Aerilia says, "And they've done nothing to make me want to support them."

Unaka says, "Maybe there's not enough evidence for some, but for me that's enough that I think it's time to strike back. At least see what happens."

Illiya says, "Ooh now we're talking my language."

Illiya rubs her hands together.

Eyst says to Unaka, "Of course, things have been rather one-sided haven't they? If there had been two of these 'pure magic' gatherings, perhaps we would be speaking of some grand smiting the immortals unleashed."

Nawain quietly says to Sukidesu, "I'm reminded of that story about the thief who was caught with red paint on his hands when clever people painted the door knobs to the food cellars. I wonder just what sort of paint would stick to mana."

Tirost says to Aerilia, "Certainly not Asildu."

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "I agree. For me this is where I see the beginning of a solid plan can start to take shape: We trace who is siphoning the pure juice, then we determine next steps. We need more intelligence...to know which nail to hammer."

Aerilia nods to Tirost.

Tirost nods to Aaiyaah.

Unaka says to Eyst, "I heard that the Herald messengers came around recently and said some things about the Immortals."

Unaka narrows her eyes.

Nevali says to Saragos, "I just want the map. I hate being drawn into this conflict. But the more I hear, the more I need to understand. Not so I can do anything. Just so I can know why people are the way they are."

Nawain growls low in the back of her throat.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Eyst nods to Unaka.

Nevali says, "People including Heralds, and gods, and star-bugs, and dragons."

Eyst says, "As they said them, I'm sure any fervant worshipper would have been furious to hear them."

Nawain says to Unaka, "They said the Immortals were bad assistants, lazy and indolent, and had failed us, so the Heralds were repairing what they let rot."

Nawain narrows her eyes.

Unaka softly says, "They will know my fury, when the time is right."

Eyst nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia nods to Nawain.

Illiya beams at Unaka!

Malorna shudders.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Trajan nods to Nawain.

Sukidesu nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia smiles at Unaka.

Tirost nods to Unaka.

Illiya says to Unaka, "I look forward to that day as well."

Unaka's hand unconsciously moves to rest on her weapon harness, where her maul rests.

Nawain says, "That will be a good day."

Aerilia says to Unaka, "Asildu said he's Forsaken. I'm keen to see if the next meteor we see will be his damned soul entering the red spiral."

Aervyn just arrived.

Aervyn runs west.

Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "Yes, it was clear that the Heralds saw the Immortal's job was to keep us in "line". Which is to say, keep generating the pure juice. And since we were generating mixed juice....it was the Immortal's fault."

Unaka nods to Aerilia.

Gwenddolyn says, "What made him become forsaken is the real question."

Gwenddolyn asks, "What did he do?"

Trajan says, "There may be some Immortals who enjoy sewing chaos, but we've yet to experience one attempting to wipe us out of existance."

Eyst says to Aerilia, "Perhaps at some point, but I believe the implication is that the Heralds are shielding his soul now."

Nawain nods to Illiya.

Illiya says to Unaka, "Thank you for your time."

Aerilia nods to Eyst.

Unaka nods to Illiya.

Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Unaka.

Illiya just hugged Nawain.

Tirost says, "I should take my leave."

Illiya hugs Aerilia, getting a smile in return.

Aerilia says to Eyst, "I expect you're right, unfortunately."

Strawberry Nurse Illiya goes east, leading her group.

Xionara nods to Malorna.

Malorna says, "Ok off i go too."

Unaka says, "Truffenyi made us, and he loves us. We are his children. I know he is hurting right now."

Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna goes east.

Tirost says to Unaka, "This was interesting. Thank you, and when the time comes, I hope to stand with you."

Nawain gazes sadly at Unaka.

Unaka shakes Tirost's hand.

Gwenddolyn says, "Good eve all, thank you for your time Unaka."

Tirost shakes Unaka's hand.

Urbaj says, "I'm gonna go make some juice. Thanks everyone."

Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts east.

Stellar Statistician Urbaj strolls east.

Aerilia chuckles.

Aaiyaah says to Unaka, "We will continue to find every way to help the Immortals however we can."

Light of the World Gwenddolyn goes east.

Unaka says, "I am glad. It helps my heart to hear these words."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Aaiyaah says, "I have quite the missive to write His Grace. I must be off. Thank you Unaka."

Aaiyaah sweeps a gold-inlaid tyrium great helm accented with royal blue off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Unaka at the same time.

Unaka says, "If anyone discovers anything new, tell me. But the path right now seems pretty clear. We need to stop the Heralds from taking from us. Hurt them if that's what it takes."

Aaiyaah says, "Take care folks."

Trajan nods to Aaiyaah.

Trajan waves.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Aaiyaah clicks his heels together and renders a crisp salute.

The sound of a battle horn emanating from somewhere nearby distracts you for a split second, and when you look back, Aaiyaah is gone.

Nevali shakes her head.

Sukidesu nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "The Immortals are counting on us."

Trajan says to Unaka, "A problem I'm finding is that the path is still quite unclear to some."

Nawain nods in agreement.

Unaka nods to Trajan.

Lourpicon ponders.

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Tell them what you've learned today. I hoped that understanding more would open my eyes, but maybe it will help others."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Xionara gets a baked ham sandwich from inside her navy lunchbox.

Xionara moves a little navy lunchbox painted with the portrait of a Prydaen to her left hand.

Xionara moves a baked ham sandwich to her right hand.

Eyst says to Trajan, "For myself, the matter of motive is still unsettled."

Xionara offers Unaka a baked ham sandwich.

Xionara softly says to Unaka, "Must make sure to eat."

Ozursus walks quietly into the area.

Xionara closes her navy lunchbox.

Unaka asks, "Or if nothing else, ask them to trust their gut. Do we trust these Heralds who have never shown a single care for us? Or do we trust the Immortals, who created us and have cared for us for eons?"

Trajan says to Eyst, "Motive may be irrelevant at this point."

Unaka accepts Xionara's ham sandwich.

Xionara puts her lunchbox in her cotton smock.

Nawain nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka says to Xionara, "Thanks, a quick bite would be good."

Unaka messily gobbles down a baked ham sandwich.

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Xionara nods to Unaka.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Sukidesu nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Saragos takes a bite of the sandwich.

Numinor taps a gold medallion symbolizing dedication to Truffenyi that she is wearing.

Eyst says to Trajan, "I disagree. As illuminating as Valenal's lecture was, I think it could be neatly turned on its head."

Numinor smiles.

Marienn eloquently says, "I think it's less they've not shown care. More like they throw a tantrum and a meteor at innocents when they don't get their way."

Nevali says, "I heard stories about gods throwing tantrums as well..."

Unaka says to Eyst, "I challenge you to make it better. If we must learn more, we will need smart people like you to finalize all the pieces."

Nevali says, "At least that's how people described it..."

Eyst asks Unaka, "The conceit of his point is that the heralds are drinking all the pure juice, we need to make more sorcerous juice to fix things, yes?"

Trajan says, "I'm struggling to decipher how the vision of the Gardener fits in with the rest of the puzzle."

Unaka asks Marienn, "They've done that too, really good points. But also, if they did care about us, where have they been all this time?"

Marienn nods to Unaka.

Unaka nods to Eyst.

Nevali says to Trajan, "At least you can see the pieces and the table. All I have are sky pieces."

Saragos says to Unaka, "Were you at the vigil to Meraud? So much going on these days, I can hardly remember."

Eyst says to Unaka, "Well, perhaps it's the immortals drinking all the sorcerous juice, and we need to rally with the heralds to produce more pure juice, though."

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Trajan nods to Nevali.

Xionara nods politely.

Xionara softly says, "Safe paths."

Unaka blinks at Eyst.

Black Fox Xionara slinks north, leading her group.

Trajan says to Nevali, "Perspective is difficult."

Unaka says to Eyst, "No. That is not true."

Nevali says, "I'd like to know where everything is stored. Visions written down. History recorded. True or not. Everything the messengers have said. All this about dragons in motes of light."

Trajan shakes his head at Eyst.

Eyst says to Unaka, "Perhaps. Maybe there is some flaw in my reasoning that can be pointed out."

Unaka says, "I have spoken with Truffenyi, more than once. I know him, in a way I cannot describe. He would not do that."

Unaka says to Nevali, "Uhh, I sure hope some people have been writing all this down. It's a lot."

Nevali nods.

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Aerilia says, "But, if making more sorcerous juice weakens whatever the Immortals are fighting, all the better to make plenty of it."

Trajan says, "I did see at least one person with a quill."

Trajan says, "I didn't see them using it, but I did see them with it."

Nevali asks, "I just think... if gods are our parents, aren't the Heralds our grandparents? Some live far away, but they still love us. I've never met mine. I've never met my parents. But... if they knew of me, wouldn't they love me?"

Unaka says to Eyst, "That one guy said wild magic got better after the sorcery party. That's some other evidence."

Eyst nods at Unaka, obviously agreeing with her views.

Unaka says to Nevali, "But the messengers are close to the Heralds, and they wouldn't say that they love us. I asked that more than once."

Saragos says to Unaka, "I've been wondering about Meraud's third vision. The one that he bade us watch carefully and twined four different mana streams into an intricate weave. As someone who's had a closer contact with the Immortals than most, did that seem... like he was telling us to do that? It seemed way more detailed than just demonstrating something about the consumption of mana."

Lourpicon says, "Grandparents can suck."

Nevali asks, "Are the Rangers and Paladins in the Dark Hand uncaring of the people they leave behind?"

Eyst says to Unaka, "I agree, if he can verify that in some manner."

Unaka fixes Saragos with a heavy, ponderous stare.

Saragos says, "I don't know if you can offer much there. Just struggling with it."

Unaka slowly says, "I think it would be unusual for a god to give us direct instructions like that. Maybe not unheard of, but they don't usually talk like that. I think it was more... a metaphor. My visions are usually that way anyway."

Nawain gives Saragos a slight nod.

Trajan says, "This is the most direct they've ever been, as far as I can recall."

Unaka says to Eyst, "Urbaj. That was the one. You should ask him."

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Eyst nods.

Sclerotia just left.

Nawain babbles incoherently.

Unaka says, "If he was making a drink and drinking it. I dunno. Maybe he was telling us something about the juice."

Nawain sighs.

Sukidesu pats Nawain on the back.

Marienn eloquently says, "Seems likely."

Trajan nods to Unaka.

Marienn nods to Unaka.

Trajan says, "It does fit the analogy."

Eyst says, "A good idea. If he's right it might be the only clear evidence that doesn't require us rely on another's good intentions."

Unaka nods to Eyst.

Nawain says, "If you'll all pardon me, I need to dry this creature off before it climbs in bed. This was good. I understand better, now."

Aerilia asks Saragos, "The exact weave of what He did may not be important. Perhaps the message was just.. do sorcery to replenish the lost energy?"

Sukidesu just hugged Nawain.

Unaka smiles at Nawain.

Nawain says to Unaka, "Thank you."

Nawain hugs Sukidesu, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Trajan bows to Nawain.

Nevali's ears droop for a moment as she gazes sadly at Nawain.

Unaka pats Nawain on the back.

Saragos says to Aerilia, "Maybe."

Nawain hugs Nevali, getting a smile in return.

Nawain waves to Trajan.

Trajan waves.

(Nawain holds the dripping dog at arm's length and wanders off.)

Eyst says, "I think I will be off, allow the juices to ferment some as it were."

Tracker Tymorin just arrived.

Tracker Tymorin slinks north.

Holy Lash Nawain patters east.

Unaka grins at Eyst.

Nevali sadly says, "Bye..."

Eyst bows.

Unaka says, "Alcoholic juice! Even better."

Saragos says to Aerilia, "I'm just trying to wrap my head around the dimensions of the problem for the kidnapped people. It's a big one. Probably require lots of sorcery."

Marienn chuckles.

Eyst nods in agreement.

Eyst stands up.

Esotericist Eyst plods east.

Aerilia says to Saragos, "He wants to "break those that would do us harm", and sorcery has apparently been towards that end."

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Unaka asks, "How do you know he wants that?"

Aerilia says, "Those were words he shared with a select few before the first sorcerous party at Arhat's Tower."

Saragos nods to Aerilia.

Aerilia says, "With Saragos specifically in fact."

Unaka blinks thoughtfully.

Unaka says, "Hmmm. Good to know. Truffenyi wants the same."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "If sorcery is the way to do it, I say do sorcery."

Aerilia says, "Agreed."

Saragos says, "I'm struggling with it. I feel like he gave me a task. But... I need to get my wife and friends back. They've been missing for over six months. And if it really is the Heralds, or one of their Gardeners, who kidnapped them, it seems unlikely that just fighting that battle is going to get them back. The Heralds don't seem the type to offer surrender terms."

Nevali asks, "But it's... irrational?"

Unaka nods to Saragos.

Unaka says to Nevali, "Not everything has to be rational to be good."

Sukidesu says, "I think I'll be going now."

Sukidesu waves.

Aerilia says to Saragos, "Remember what He said after the Loom failed. We didn't get the answer we sought, but it was a necessary step to get them back."

Saragos says, "I'm hoping I can accomplish both ends. I'm hoping He will at least smile on the attempts to solve problems using Magic. I had wondered if he was offering a Sorcerous pattern as a way of resolving my dilemma."

Trajan nods politely to Sukidesu.

Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu shuffles east.

Saragos nods to Aerilia.

Trajan nods to Aerilia.

Unaka says to Saragos, "I'm sorry about your wife. I don't have the answer for you."

Unaka gazes at Saragos with a sympathetic look on her face.

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Unaka says, "Well I'd better go now."

Aerilia nods to Unaka.

Seele goes east.

Marienn eloquently says, "Thank you for being far better company than the Zealots."

Aerilia says, "Be well, Unaka. Thanks for your time."

Marienn bows her head, acknowledging Unaka.

Unaka says, "I've got a lot of work still to do, but I'm gonna mull over what to do next about this."

Unaka nods to Marienn.

Unaka says, "Good bye, everyone."

Saragos nods to Unaka.

Aerilia waves to Unaka.

Nevali looks downright miserable.

Saragos says, "Take care."

Holy Guardian Unaka strides east. 

* Unaka returns home from a hard day of adventuring.

Aerilia pets her white dog.

Saragos says to Aerilia, "I'm heading to Arhat's Tower, if you want to talk theory about how to bring them back."

Aerilia nods to Saragos.

Aerilia joins Saragos's group.

Saragos says, "Anyone else interested is welcome."

Tempest Knight Saragos strides east, leading his group.

Kerennya stands up.

Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east.

Nevali stands up.

Numinist Nevali parades east.

Trajan says, "I have more reading to do."

Trajan says, "Take care."

Trajan waves.

Knight Errant Trajan goes east.

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