Dantia/Storylines/Mana Surges & Wild Magic/Phase 8: TBD

The Immortals Stir

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-16 Sep 21, 2024	Five adventurers, Avrenka, Briaen, Karthor, Kethrai and Nawain, receive personalized visions from their respective Immortals. The Immortals initiate an attack on the encasement surrounding Dirge. Adventurers were beset upon by drakes, but were eventually able to take up axes and aid in cutting down the encasement. Dirge became accessible again. Expand for details. Avrenka's vision: The light around you flares with blinding authority. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. Before you stands a figure of unwavering resolve, cloaked in the enduring spirit of justice and a stance brimming with the determination of one who never falters. He is accompanied by a fierce mongoose that sniffs about as if seeking the unseen. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from a nameless sword. As you reach out to touch the mongoose, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. Through the quick succession of flashes, you see Dirge. Dried vines and brecciated rock incorporated into one side of the encasement make for a weakness. The man says, "The time for skepticism has ended. This wrong shall not go unanswered. Tell them. And hurry." A warm aura intensifies for a moment, then recedes, leaving behind a steadfast resolve and an indomitable sense of security, as though the very essence of righteous judgment has fortified your spirit. He and the mongoose vanish. Briaen's vision: The light around you flares with blinding authority. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. A radiant figure emerges, bathed in the golden hues of wheat. Her face is serene and filled with an endless well of compassion. Her long robes shimmer like the first rays of morning, casting warmth and comfort. By her side, a majestic cow with soft eyes steps forward, its coat glowing with auroral hues. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the break of dawn. As you reach out to touch the cow, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. Through the quick succession of flashes, you see Dirge. Dried vines and brecciated rock incorporated into one side of the encasement make for a weakness. The woman says, "Dawnsworn of my name, too many are lost. The time has come to light the way. Tell them. And hurry." The woman smiles and a warm glow intensifies for a moment, then dims, leaving behind a sense of peace and hope, as though the dawn itself has touched your soul. She and the cow vanish. Karthor's vision: The air around you hums with a silent authority. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. A figure emerges; His presence is marked by the scent of earth and metal, a testament to his dominion over craftsmanship and the treasures of the deep. Upon his forearm, a sleek raven perches with watchful eyes, its dark feathers gleaming like polished gemstones. The raven cocks its head, one way and then another, as though conveying balance and fairness. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the coffers of long-lost kingdoms. As you reach out to touch the raven, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. Through the quick succession of flashes, you see Dirge. Dried vines and brecciated rock incorporated into one side of the encasement make for a weakness. The man says, "The time has come to forge a new path. Tell them. And hurry." The figure s stern countenance softens, revealing a flicker of paternal concern. The sound of jingling coins echoes briefly, leaving behind a sense of trust and hope. He and the raven vanish. Kethrai's vision: The air around you hums with a silent authority. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. A matronly figure emerges, draped in the verdant hues of spring, her face tranquil and filled with a wealth of benevolence. Her flowing gowns shimmer like the first rays of morning, casting both warmth and comfort. By her side, a magnificent unicorn with soft eyes steps forward, its coat luminous with porcelain iridescence. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the tenderness of motherhood. As you reach out to touch the unicorn, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. Through the quick succession of flashes, you see Dirge. Dried vines and brecciated rock incorporated into one side of the encasement make for a weakness. The woman gazes at you softly and says, "The encasement will subside. You must tell them. Hurry, now Heart Tender. Embrace your path." A soft luminescence intensifies for a moment, then gently fades, leaving behind a promise of healing and grace. She and the unicorn vanish, leaving behind a sense of profound peace and divine protection, as though the very essence of purity has embraced your soul. Nawains's vision: The sound of fluttering wings cascades around you, growing louder with each passing moment. Before you, the air stirs as a delicate butterfly appears, its iridescent wings shimmering with every hue of cerulean and lilac. It flutters slowly, gracefully, its silent flight speaking of profound wisdom and the endless cycle of life. As it dances upon the breeze, you feel a sense of growth unfurling in your heart, a quiet nudge toward reflection and understanding. The butterfly serenely floats across the area, landing on your arm. Suddenly, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. Through the quick succession of flashes, you see Dirge. Dried vines and brecciated rock incorporated into one side of the encasement make for a weakness. A lilting feminine voice echoes all around you, firmly stating, Keep true to the path you have chosen and to your new pack. You will keep them, and they will keep you. The time has come for a new chapter in this story, my Repentant. Tell them. And hurry. Several butterflies flutter and float along the breeze You lose sight of Enelne in the rabble. The swarm's wings leave dusky trails of sparkling golden light, and you are filled with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Messaging from Dirge: The golden light atop the enclosure seems to build, and suddenly, lashes out and downward, slamming against the encasement! The vine wall shudders and slows momentarily! A voice roars "ENOUGH! You interlopers are a blight!" and you are momentarily overwhelmed with a foreign feeling of disgust. You cannot recall what the voice sounded like, though it echoes all around you. Suddenly, a company of drakes slams into the ground, and roaring in fury, begins to attack! An exposed section of the vine wall is suddenly raked by the golden light, and fades to a dull brown as it dies, falling to the ground in a thick coil, exposing a weakness in the enclosure! The golden light atop the enclosure roars with brilliance and rakes across the encasement! The light lashes out and downward, slamming against the encasement! The vine wall shudders and slows momentarily! The golden light atop the enclosure erupts with brilliance, shining through the inside of the encasement! The light burns the encasement, causing the vine wall to smolder as swaths of leaves scatter into ash and embedded stone chips and shatters! The golden light atop the enclosure screams with a keening howl, zigzagging across the encasement! The vine wall contorts oddly, rippling and bulging, the vines ripping and the embedded stone shattering! The golden light atop the enclosure flares, burning the encasement into ribbons! Masses of vine and stone fall to the ground and shatter! The dessicated vines begin to shatter, as large gouges are hacked throughout the length! The golden light rakes across the area, highlighting the drakes, as if marking them for divine retribution! The final drakes are defeated, an ominious crackle rips across the sky! The golden light dims slightly, as if gathering strength, and you are left with the impression of a great force taking a deep breath in anticipation... The golden light atop the spire erupts with a blinding fury, burning the vines and shattering the stone of the encasement! The light intensifies, and you throw your hands up to shield your eyes! Suddenly, you see Them, striding forward, heads held high. A serene woman in shimmering robes that radiate like the first rays of morning, riding atop a muscular cow. A craftsman clad in tools, a raven perched upon his shoulder, scrutinizing everything. An armored soldier, his visor closed though his eyes piercing and intent, a hissing mongoose scurrying at his feet. A beautiful woman, holding a sickle in one hand, her other placed on the shoulder of a magnificent unicorn. A butterfly flutters across the area, and explodes in a golden haze. As one, they blur, and erupt with golden light, vanishing. The encasement slows, the vines browning and fading to ash, the malleable stone crumbling to fine sand. The golden light expands in a radiant explosive shockwave, sweeping the encasement away and knocking you back! As the golden light fades, to the north you see the familiar trace through the lava fields. You feel a strong hand grasp your shoulder in encouragement, and then withdraw. A voice roars "You have learned nothing! You do not understand what it is you destroy!" and you are momentarily overwhelmed with a foreign feeling of fear. You cannot recall what the voice sounded like, though it echoes all around you. During the exchange, you could attack the vines. > look vine A section of the enclosure has fallen, the thick vine laying coiled nearby, outside the reach of the writhing wall. This vine appears damaged, dried and desiccated, embedded with clusters of brecciated rock. You are certain you could CUT it. > cut vine You grab a nearby axe, hefting it at the tangled vines! You are able to muster your strength and strike a more solid blow! Your axe lands a devastating strike against the vines, cutting a significant gouge into them with a satisfying *THUNK*. You discard the axe, preparing for another assault from the drakes. Roundtime: 30 sec.	Log courtesy of Ayrell
450-05-16 Sep 21, 2024	Following the reopening of Dirge, a loud voice is heard booming throughout the Arthelun Ruins area. A new, beefier version (source) of the Arthelun Cabalists invade Dirge, but are beaten back by adventurers. Expand for details. A loud horn blares, echoing throughout the ruins. Silence falls in its wake, and the few sounds of combat fade as combatants retreat. A slow and steady drum beats, echoing throughout the ruins. A voice booms throughout the ruins, "The MORTALS have defiled our home, AGAIN." The beating drum continues. A voice booms throughout the ruins, "They reach beyond what they should, and we suffer the consequences of their actions. NO MORE!" The beating drums immediately halt, and an eerie silence settles. A menacing voice screams into your thoughts, "We prepared for this long before your folly! No more shall you take our treasures so easily! We will not fall to your incursions so easily ever again!"	N/A

Liraxes Attends Overhealers Anonymous

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-16 Sep 21, 2024	Liraxes states that the crystalline machine is necessary to address the threat to Balance, and that it will no longer be needed once the threat is resolved. It also requests that the group continue to use sorcerous casting, as it appears to be distracting the Heralds, and be ready to assist the Immortals when they are ready to act. It indicates that there will be further countermeasures from the Heralds, but the journey to Balance continues. Visit the Sorcery Messengers page for more info about this messenger and their interactions during this event.	Log posted to Discord, courtesy of Avrenka

Player Story: By Anuril

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-20 Sep 22, 2024	Two figures reach the summit of a tree platform after a taxing climb. Kethrai kneels at a small shrine, quietly praying, while Anuril scans their surroundings, ensuring they are alone and safe after the chaos outside Dirge. After a moment of silence, they prepare for their next battle, casting spells with precision: Anuril manipulating the elements, while Kethrai fortifies himself, before exchanging a determined glance and beginning their descent together.	Full story on Discord

Player Event: Tracing Stolen Energy

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-24 Sep 23, 2024	Avrenka leads an experiment to track energy being stolen and test theories about the Heralds. The plan involves Elementalists creating an Aether anomaly, casting pure magic while using Othersight to track energy, manipulating Aether if Heralds appear, and finally switching to sorcery. Despite their efforts, the group fails to create an anomaly or track energy with Othersight, leading Avrenka to conclude the night's experiment unsuccessful.	N/A

Player Story: The Price of Catching a Thief by Lupdels

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-26 Sep 24, 2024	Lupdels is haunted by visions of the "Gosen Sansebel," a Hungry Gardener from Elanthia's past who consumed pure mana to the point of breaking aether barriers between planes. Researcher Valenal believes the mana of the Plane of Abiding is being drained by an external entity, potentially tied to this ancient Gardener, leading to dangerous instability in the mana system. Lupdels, reflecting on failed experiments to track the mana thief, considers the possibility that a surviving Gardener or similar entity is responsible, and prepares for further research using an unsettling gold tuner to attune himself to the mysterious mana streams.	Full story

Miraena at Dirge

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-32 Sep 25, 2024	Miraena engages in a lengthy discussion about recent events, including the liberation of Dirge from its encasement and the ongoing conflict between the Heralds and Immortals. She also discusses the changing nature of Asildu. She seeks to understand the complex situation, while still maintaining her conviction in the Heralds' message. Visit the Sorcery Messengers page for more info about this messenger and their interactions during this event.	Log courtesy of Ayrell

The Immortals Stretch

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-32 Sep 25, 2024	The Immortals call Allye, Kerennya, Khearkrash, Imroth, Parkons, Ruea, Urbaj, and Waydren to action at Knife Clan, where they confront Asildu. Asildu summons drakes before disappearing. Adventurers are called by the Immortals to spread their efforts between fighting drakes at Knife Clan in order to distract the Heralds, while also adjusting light beams at Wolf Clan and Tiger Clan on weak spots in the encasement. Eventually, the drakes are defeated and the light beams are successful in removing the encasements from Wolf Clan and Tiger Clan. During the event, Miraena assists with focusing the light beam at Wolf Clan, Unaka assists with fighting at Knife Clan, and Liraxes answered some questions at the crystalline device. Visit the Sorcery Messengers page for more info about this messenger and their interactions during this event. Expand for details. Allye's vision: The light around you flares with blinding authority. A radiant figure emerges, bathed in the golden hues of wheat, her face serene and filled with an endless well of compassion. Her long robes shimmer like the first rays of morning, casting warmth and comfort. By her side, a majestic cow with soft eyes steps forward, its coat glowing with auroral hues. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the break of dawn. As you reach out to touch the cow, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Wolf Clan. Focused beams of holy light to lance the encasements, burning away vine and stone. The woman says, "The time has come, Cateress. Our chosen will toil mighty in their quest to return them to Us. Feed the lost, feed the hungry. Tell them. And hurry." The woman smiles and a warm glow intensifies for a moment, then dims, leaving behind a sense of peace and hope, the smell of warm bread lingers in the air. She and the cow vanish. Imroth's vision: A stalwart figure emerges, clothed in simple and rustic garments, his gaze ogrish but wholesome. By his side, a donkey with comically oversized teeth trots forward, its coat cast in donkey grey. There's a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a request to make waffles in the morning. As you reach out to touch the donkey, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. Four different chronicles, with a fifth being developed. The first is classic, a perfect twist of fairytale humor. The second builds on the greatness, more characters and more laughs. The third isn't very good, and the fourth is alright, but it's too late because the series already jumped the shark. You see yourself watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself at home on the couch, mindlessly watching the dream works tale of a lovable ogre. The ogre smiles and a warm glow intensifies for a moment, then dims, leaving you with a renewed sense of strength and stamina, the smell of swamp lingers in the air. He and the donkey vanish. Kerennya's vision: The air around you hums with a silent authority. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. The sound of crashing waves echoes around you, growing louder with each passing moment. A pool of unfathomably deep water collects at your feet. As you sink within the depths, the light grows dim, becoming but an ember above you. From the watery twilight, a lithe figure emerges, draped in the tangle of seaweed, coral, and algae, her face tranquil and filled with a wealth of wisdom. Accompanying her at one side, an pelagic dolphin with black eyes swims forward, its soft smooth skin rigid and awash with blue-grey tones. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from deepest dark. As you reach out to touch the dolphin, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Tiger Clan. Focused beams of holy light to lance the encasements, burning away vine and stone. The woman gazes at you knowingly and says, "The woman gazes at you knowingly and says, "The time has come for your voice to be heard. We will crash upon the encasement as the sea crashes on the ocean cliff, and tear it down. You must tell them. Hurry now, my Wavedancer." A blinding luminescence intensifies with vicious speed, the waters engulfing you recede, leaving behind a promise of healing and grace. The woman and the dolphin vanish. Though gasping for breath, you feel as though the very essence of purity has embraced your soul. Khearkrash's vision: The air around you takes on the scent of decay. You suddenly feel terrified as though eyed by authority itself. Time slows and the air takes on a dark golden light. Everything goes silent as the grave. A ghostly, faceless figure stands before you, his countenance obscured by a countless number of screams, each one changing into the next in a ceaseless parade of agony. This presence is marked by the scent of death, a testament to his dominion over the last moments of life itself. Upon his shoulder, a vulture perches with watchful eyes, its dark feathers mangled and unkept. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the coffers of long lost kingdoms. The vulture cocks its head and locks eyes with you and suddenly a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Tiger Clan. A mischievous masculine voice echoes all around you, stating wryly, "In time, I will come for even you, Paladin. Vanquish this encasement in my name. Tell them how and do not delay." The figure swiftly grows pale, becoming translucent as the last scream across his face twists into a wry, tricker's grin. The figure and the vulture vanish. As you regain your resolve, you feel as though the very essence of pain has embraced your soul. Ruea's vision: The shadows darken swiftly and rumble with authority. The sound of a low, grumbling growl emanates from the darkness. Time slows and the air takes on a golden light. Everything goes silent. Before you, the shadows slink with a calculating motion. From the dark, an inky black panther stalks towards you. Its ebony fur reflects but a glint of light, creating a sheen that cascades across its body with graceful motion. Though unnaturally silent, there s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the lessons of the dark. You feel a sense of growth unfurling in your heart, a quiet nudge toward reflection and understanding. As your gaze locks with the panther's, a flurry of disparate images suddenly fight for expression at the back of your mind. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Wolf Clan. Focused beams of holy light to lance the encasements, burning away vine and stone. A masculine voice echoes all around you, enticingly stating, "The time has not yet come for Our children to sleep. Sing them the song of unity and cooperation. Tell them. And hurry." As the shadows recede, the panther vanishes leaving the scent of dusk berry on the air. The melody of an old forest song is still repeating in your mind, just on the edge of your memory. You are struck with a renewed sense of purpose and peace. Urbaj's vision: A figure emerges, his presence marked by the scent of earth and metal, a testament to his dominion over craftsmanship and the treasures of the deep. Upon his forearm, a sleek raven perches with watchful eyes, its dark feathers gleaming like polished gemstones. The raven cocks its head, one way and then another, as though conveying balance and fairness. There's a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the annals of divine law. As you reach out to touch the raven, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Tiger Clan. Focused beams of holy light to lance the encasements, burning away vine and stone. The man says, "The time has come to account for these lawless swindlers, abiding by no contract, beholden to no fair trade. Tell them. And hurry." The figure's stern countenance softens, revealing a flicker of paternal care and concern. The sound of jingling coins echoes briefly, leaving behind a sense of trust and hope. He and the raven vanish. Waydren's vision: The air around you hums with a silent authority. A matronly figure emerges, draped in the verdant hues of spring, her face tranquil and filled with a wealth of benevolence. Her flowing gowns shimmer like the first rays of morning, casting both warmth and comfort. By her side, a magnificent unicorn with soft eyes steps forward, its coat luminous with porcelain iridescence. There s a message in its gaze, a command yet unspoken, a truth it carries from the tenderness of motherhood. As you reach out to touch the unicorn, a flurry of disparate images fight in the back of your mind for expression. You see several things at once. A feint on Knife Clan to distract. You see yourself here first, watching the chaos unfold. You await a signal. The view changes. You see a set of scales, perfectly balanced: Tiger Clan on one side, Wolf Clan on the other. You see yourself on the side of Wolf Clan. Focused beams of holy light to lance the encasements, burning away vine and stone. The woman gazes at you softly and says, "Your noble attempts at restoration are a valued exercise and healing will come, when We choose. Some scars serve as reminders. Tell them. And hurry." A soft luminescence intensifies for a moment, then gently fades, leaving behind a promise of renewal and grace. She and the unicorn vanish leaving behind a sense of profound peace and divine protection, as though the very root of nature has embraced your soul.	N/A

Player Story: Sorcerous Supplication by Yvela

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-36 Sep 26, 2024	Yvela walks through the lantern-lit paths of her home in Zaldi Taipa, finding relief in the night air and comfort in the sounds of livestock and dogs, a reminder that her home has been spared the disaster that befell the northern Clans. As she reflects by a small creek, guilt surfaces from her past decisions, particularly her rejection of a pledge symbolized by a blue iris, though her sense of purpose and loyalty to Meraud fills her with resolve. She recklessly casts a sorcerous spell, feeling a mix of energy, exhaustion, and divine purpose, preparing to try again despite the mental toll.	Full story on Discord

Player Story: By Daerlynn

Date	Summary	Link
450-05-36 Sep 26, 2024	Daerlynn reflects on recent events and realizes her certainty about the Heralds' role has faded amidst too many unknowns. Still holding faith in the Immortals, she revises her song "The Freeing of Dirge," removing mentions of the Heralds and focusing on the bravery of Elanthian heroes. Now committed to this new approach, she begins writing part two of her series, "The Immortals Walk Among Us."	Full story on Discord