Ayrell/Logs/07082024/Wild Magic and the Zaulfung Stones

From the view of Ayrell Evyntine

Time

It has been 449 years, 276 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Bronze Wyvern.
It is currently fall and it is early evening.
You're positive it's 4 roisaen after the Anlas of Phelim's Vigil.

Introduction

[Pierless Inn, Courtyard]
The Inn rises above you on three sides. Stone and half-timber work make a pleasing sight and the place radiates charm and comfort. A sizable stable at the back of the courtyard accomodates travelers' horses and carriages. One wing houses the kitchens, butteries and storerooms for the ever-full dining and drinking rooms. A wide-open door beckons you into the dark interior where laughter and the scent of good food emanate. You also see the open gate.
Also here: Tempest Knight Saragos, Philomath Miskton, Esotericist Eyst, Planesweaver Navesi, Haxen, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Back Alley Hack Phierre, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Gallivanter Useff, Lady of the Watch Dantia, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Firehawk Casari, Citizen Miraeven, Sir Madigan, Hurricane Fist Hamuk, Life's Enforcer Karthor, Mathematician Avrenka, Valynn, Emily, Gremlin Aenki, Death's Messenger Buzan who is shining with a dark golden glow and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light.

You say, "We will be heading out in just a moment. Since we are leaving here to go elsewhere, I want to make sure we do not miss anyone."

Hamuk asks Navesi, "Was that of your design?"

Casari joins your group.

Navesi nods to Hamuk.

Elurora joins your group.

Illiya joins your group.

Avrenka joins your group.

Buzan joins your group.

Jaelia joins your group.

Emily joins your group.

Hamuk praises Navesi.

Navesi says, "Yes, as is the Demise."

Aenki joins your group.

Hamuk joins your group.

Useff joins your group.

Haxen joins your group.

Ezerak joins your group.

Karthor joins your group.

Miraeven joins your group.

Eyst joins your group.

Aenki puts his blood-ale in his scavenger's pack.

Hodoor joins your group.

Navesi joins your group.

Phierre joins your group.

Aislynn joins your group.

Saragos joins your group.

Miskton joins your group.

Hamuk says to Navesi, "Very well done, on both accounts."

Phierre looks around at something that you can't see, laughing softly in amazement.

Navesi bows her head, acknowledging Hamuk.

Madigan nods to Hodoor.

Miskton glances up at the sky.
After a few moments he lowers his gaze.

Madigan asks, "Stones correct?"

Miraeven bows his head and chants catechisms.

Illiya gestures.

Navesi says to Hamuk, "Next event you'll have to get my third, go for the trifecta."

Avrenka nods to Madigan.

Hamuk grins at Navesi.

Illiya gestures.

Madigan says, "See you there."

Miskton puts his tome in his scholar's valise.

Hodoor joins Madigan's group.

Madigan raises his hand in a quick salute.

Aislynn chuckles.

Hamuk says to Navesi, "I look forward to it."

Dantia joins Madigan's group.

Valynn joins your group.

You smile at Valynn.

Sir Madigan's group went to the open gate.

Valynn nods to you.

Valynn pulls the hood of her cloak up.

You ask, "Alright, I think we are ready. Is everyone joined with me who will be traveling with us?"

Avrenka nods to you.

Elurora nods to you.

Buzan nods in agreement.

Miskton takes a sip of his Demise.

Aenki gives a slight nod.

You say, "We will be moving in 5."

Valynn nods.

Aislynn's tail undulates passively just above the ground.

>go gate
[Riverhaven, Town Hall Road]
The finest Inn of the region dwells here, near the center of town. The Pierless Inn as locals know it, rises some three stories in stone and timberwork. Perhaps as much business is done here as in the Guildhall nearby and certainly in much more cordial circumstances. Both public and private dining can be had as well as a huge common room. Sleeping accommodations range from the simple but clean to several elegant suites worthy of a Master Trader. You also see the Municipal Pier.
Obvious paths: northeast, east, west, northwest.
Valynn, Miskton, Saragos, Aislynn, Phierre, Navesi, Eyst, Miraeven, Karthor, Ezerak, Haxen, Useff, Hamuk, Aenki, Emily, Jaelia, Buzan, Avrenka, Illiya, Elurora and Casari followed.

(Travel)

Arrival to the Stones

You go west, leading your group.
[Zaulfung, Standing Stones]
This circular clearing is dominated by the presence of two imposing standing stones, silent sentinels of an ancient power. A shadow deeper than the night reaches across the clearing from the south, while at the north end the stark grey stone looms pale and ghostlike. You also see a ghostly white banner, a flask of pure spring water, a large fire and a black standing stone.
Also here: Valynn, Philomath Miskton, Tempest Knight Saragos, Mooring Thread Aislynn, Back Alley Hack Phierre, Planesweaver Navesi, Esotericist Eyst, Citizen Miraeven, Life's Enforcer Karthor, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Haxen, Gallivanter Useff, Hurricane Fist Hamuk, Gremlin Aenki, Emily, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Death's Messenger Buzan who is shining with a dark golden glow, Mathematician Avrenka, Strawberry Nurse Illiya, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light, Firehawk Casari, a calmed Lady of the Watch Dantia, a calmed Death Sentence Hodoor, a calmed Sir Madigan and a calmed Sir Rhonys who is shining with a dark golden glow.
Obvious paths: east, southeast, southwest.

Rhonys snaps to attention and hails you with a crisp hand salute.

A large fire flutters slightly.

Illiya casually observes the area.

You say, "You are all in luck this evening, as I am not the one who will be giving the presentation regarding the history of this area and why it is of interest to the current wild magic investigations."

Aenki snickers.

Aislynn chuckles at you!

Hamuk chuckles.

Elurora grins at you.

Aislynn whispers, "I happen to like your lectures."

Hamuk snaps his fingers.

Elurora says to you, "I like your lectures, they're always well put together."

Aislynn nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

You smile.

Phierre looks around at something that you can't see, laughing softly in amazement.

Casari nods emphatically.

Aenki says to you, "I've heard great things about your lectures."

You blush slightly, the tips of your ears flushing with warmth.

Madigan says, "If it is bloody bad, it typically happens at the Stones."

You say, "Goodness. You all are so kind."

A large fire's light grows much weaker.

You smile.

Aenki's tail undulates lazily through the air.

Hamuk whispers something to Elurora.

You say, "For tonight, if I could ask everyone to please grant your attention to Avrenka who will be sharing such information with you this evening."

You gesture at Avrenka.

You smile at Avrenka.

Avrenka bows.

Elurora nods to Hamuk.

Aenki nods to Avrenka.

Miskton nods politely to Avrenka.

Casari scans the area briefly.

Ezerak looks at Avrenka and applauds!

Avrenka says, "Thank you Ayrell."

Karthor says to Madigan, "Efficient summary, as usual."

Navesi says, "Ayrell does a great lecture."

Hamuk nods to Avrenka.

Karthor grins at Madigan.

Jaelia beams at Avrenka!

Elurora whispers something to Hamuk.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Hamuk.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Avrenka's Presentation

Avrenka says, "Tonight I will be speaking about the Zaulfung Stones and the history behind them."

Aenki gets a pint of red blood-ale from inside his scavenger's pack.

Avrenka asks, "When wild magic first reared its head, Warrior mages and Bards noticed something was broken with the replenishment cycles of Elemental mana. Researchers believe the Zaulfung Stones help replenish and strengthen the barrier of our Plane thru Elemental mana. We're here to find out: Are the Stones damaged? And can we fix them?"

Aenki takes a sip of his blood-ale.

Elurora smiles at Avrenka.

A large fire dims drastically.

Avrenka asks, "So What are the Zaulfung Stones and who erected them?"

Avrenka says, "Let's rewind the clock to 4209 BL, when the Blackfire Cabal was defeated by the Four. According to the "Treatise on the Elements Volume 2", the Four had to use the Voidspell to extinguish Blackfire, as no other way was found to stop the all consuming sorcerous spell. The Voidspell would create Void by removing all elemental energy -- both mana and presence -- which in turn, would consume the Blackfire along with everything nearby."

Aenki just touched a grey standing stone.

Avrenka says, "Researchers in the GCMH noted that this "cure" was deadlier than the disease."

Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived.

Avrenka says, "(As an aside, all books cited today are penned by researchers in the Gealeranendae College, or GCMH.)."

Illiya nods to Avrenka.

Hamuk nods to Tirost.

Avrenka says, "Unfortunately, this spell ushered in Void by causing a rupture in our Plane, allowing Void to leak in from the barrier between Planes (aka the Planar Void). This was the start of the weakening of this barrier, over 4000 years ago from today."

Phierre left the group.

Tirost nods to Hamuk.

Tirost gestures, and a strong warm breeze swirls around him.

Avrenka says, "Fast forward to 403 BL. According to "Study of the Zaulfung Stones", Empress Merthamone has Farn's company (a group of 13 mages) to erect the Zaulfung Stones to contain a "Nameless Evil of Zaulfung" which we know today is Maelshyve. All but one of the 13 perish in this feat, the last surviving mage being Sithsia -- a necromancer. According to the visions seen thru Yeluenne's ring, in "Ring Visions", it is believed Sithsia, being the last survivor, would be the driving force in making sure the demon would stay contained in the Swamp."

A large fire sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Tirost gets a lynx talisman from inside his storm grey pouch.

A sand-hued lynx curls up and takes a nap.

Tirost puts his talisman in his storm grey pouch.

Avrenka says, "Fast forward to 368-430 AV, when Maelshyve is released, battled and defeated. GMCH researchers believe Maelshyve took advantage of the tear in the barrier started by the Voidspell, and further ruptured it. This resulted in a massive mana storm in 394 AV, similar to the mana surges we are experiencing today. Many notice reality warping events, more so as adventurers drew closer to Maelshyve's "soul". It is believed she was defeated by a device that not just "anchored" her to this realm, but also "slammed the door shut" according to necromancer Osven."

Elurora leans on Hamuk.

Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Avrenka.

Avrenka says, "On this topic of Maelshyve's Planar disruptions, Researcher Fredrick Modah writes in "The Thing Behind Lyras" that Lyras created a massive conduit that transferred a vast amount of extraplanar "material" in the short time it was active. He noted disturbing ripples in the mana streams that corrupted and broke down advanced & experimental spell patterns. Modah also noted sorcerous spells have grown drastically more volatile, and that these changes haven't stopped, but continue to act further outside expectations."

Avrenka says, "Presciently, he predicted the effects will eventually become evident to all, and that magic itself may cease to exist -- as we experienced temporarily several weeks ago. He wrote "The Thing Behind Lyras" about 60 years ago."

A pained expression crosses Aislynn's face.

Elurora furrows her brow.

Avrenka says, "Which brings us to today -- the researchers at GCMH believed the Stones were infused with intense amounts of elemental mana, tapped directly from the six Elemental Planes. Apparently this constant replenishing of raw elemental mana strengthens our Plane's barrier by effectively pushing Void out of our Planar Interior. Our recent research efforts have revealed disruptions in Elemental mana replenishment cycles -- let us investigate whether the Zaulfung Stones have been disrupted."

Avrenka nods to you.

Navesi takes a sip of her Demise.

You nod politely to Avrenka.

Elurora glances at a grey standing stone.

You smile.

Explanation of Othersight and Intent for the Experiment

You say, "And that brings us to why we are here this evening. Another angle to view. Another straw to grasp in our efforts to learn more about this wild magic and just how far-reaching the effects of it may be. Not to mention a hope of potentially finding the cause. Or a hint, at the very least."

Tirost nods to you.

Back Alley Hack Phierre saunters east.

You say, "By now, I think it is safe to assume that most of us are familiar with the term Othersight, or have at least heard of it. I will not spend a great deal of time discussing it, as I believe many, if not all, of us were present at the meeting Saragos hosted the other evening during which he delved into the subject with impressive detail beyond that which I would dare attempt, as his presentation was absolutely wonderful and full of knowledge obtained through personal experience and research."

Avrenka raises his palms skyward, chanting.

Avrenka gestures.
An oozing pool of darkness collects at your feet.

Elurora nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Avrenka nods to Saragos.

Dantia smiles at Tirost.

Aislynn nods in agreement.

Tirost smiles at Dantia.

Saragos tips his hat to Avrenka with a courteous nod.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

You say, "Instead, I will simply provide the briefest of refreshers so that anyone who was not at the previous discussion will have an understanding of what we are about to attempt."

Aenki whispers something to Elurora.

Miskton takes a sip of his Demise.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Dasheek stands near Illiya.

Hamuk nods to Dasheek.

Aislynn makes a chirring noise in Dasheek's direction.

Aenki whispers something to Elurora.

Dasheek waves.

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

Breeze Catcher Jycanth just arrived, leading his group.

You say, "To put Othersight in the simplest of terms, it is an ability - a skill, so to say - that can be utilized by Elementalists. But, do not let the simplicity of that explanation fool you. It is not a simple task, nor is it one that any of us, regardless of our progress in the guild, have the knowledge or experience to perform with any great proficiency. Although we have had some mild success with utilization in the past, we remain amateurs, and success is never a guarantee."

Elurora giggles at Aenki.

Elurora snaps to attention and hails Jycanth with a crisp hand salute.

Tirost holds an indurium phoenix with eyes of canary diamond in his hand and closes his eyes in concentration.

Aislynn nods to Ghust.

Rhonys bows his head and chants a prayer.

Aenki looks at Elurora, obviously trying not to grin.

Jycanth snaps to attention and hails Elurora with a crisp hand salute.

Aislynn nods to Jycanth.

Jycanth grins.

Jycanth nods to Aislynn.

Jycanth hugs Useff, who wraps his arms around Jycanth with a warm smile.

Hamuk nods to Ghust.

Rhonys gestures.
He twiddles his fingers at the white banner.
The white banner bobs and shudders for a moment.

Valynn grins at Jycanth.

Jycanth grins at Valynn.

Jycanth waves to Valynn.

You say, "Also, to oversimplify, for sake of time, Othersight involves the element of Aether. As the Scholar of the Grove Uryutis explained, Aether is vital insofar as the Elements are concerned. Without it, there is nothing. He explained that our Plane is unique in that it is subject to the influence of so many different planes, for better or worse, and Aether is evident, in trace amounts, everywhere we look. Or rather, Aether is everywhere that is not the Void."

Back Alley Hack Phierre just arrived.

Jycanth hums to himself.

Valynn gives Jycanth a wry grin.

Aenki nods to you.

You say, "That being said, one could describe Othersight as the probing of the Aetheric foundation of the Plane of Abiding, and possibly others, to sense disturbances and changes. The result is visual for Warrior Mages. Audible to Bards."

Madigan puts his water in his traveler's pack.

Avrenka nods to you.

You say, "What we intend to attempt here is to utilize this Othersight to determine if we can sense any disturbances or changes here at the stones that may indicate that something in the area has been impeded or weakened. In our efforts to accomplish this, we would ask that our Bards and Warrior Mages in attendance take a few moments to make some preparations, if you have not already done so."

Navesi says, "Something like echolocation."

You nod to Navesi.

A Gnome commoner gazes about with a calm look on her face.

A Gnome commoner gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Hamuk puts his Demise in his leucro hide pack.

Saragos nods to you.

Valynn tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Hamuk takes a seat.

Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes.

Saragos gestures.
A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away.

Navesi puts her Demise in her liquor cabinet.

Miraeven gets some burnt incense from inside his traveler's rucksack.

Miraeven gets a gleaming metallic-red cinder beast with glittering onyx claws from inside his traveler's rucksack.

Miraeven points his cinder beast at some burnt incense and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the incense quickly catch fire.

Preparations

You say, "For these preparations, we would suggest the same ones recommended by Saragos the other evening. For Warrior Mages, this would be aligning yourselves to Aether and, if you can, casting the spells of Substratum and Aether Cloak. Bards are encouraged to cast Echoes of Aether. These preparations are not mandatory, but they could potentially aid us in our efforts by infusing our senses with as much Aether as we can so we can be as open to it as possible."

Navesi traces a curving sigil in the air.

Karthor's countenance takes on a sublimely tranquil air.

Navesi gets a transparent icesteel rod containing a geodiferous growth of rikar crystals from inside her canvas rucksack.

Jycanth rummages about his person, looking for something.

Navesi sweeps her rod in front of her in quick, methodical swings.

Saragos gestures.
Saragos's eyes darken a shade.

Miraeven puts his beast in his traveler's rucksack.

Casari gazes about her surroundings, her vision drawn towards something unseen.

Casari inhales sharply. A flurry of frost flutters about her body as the magic leaves her staggered.

Navesi's rod steadily brightens, until it burns like a vivid and fiery torch!

Tiny tendrils of lightning begin to jolt between Useff's hands as he utters a few magical words!

Useff takes off an ethereal naga composed of gloomglass.

Useff sweeps his naga in front of him in quick, methodical swings.

Navesi's rod fades over the course of a few seconds, returning to normal.

Hamuk sits down and closes his eyes, taking on a meditative pose.

You could almost swear Hamuk's form flickered for a fraction of a second. Odd.

Hamuk winces.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.

Useff's naga steadily brightens, until it burns like a vivid and fiery torch!

Tirost gestures.
Tirost's eyes darken a shade.

Useff's naga fades over the course of a few seconds, returning to normal.

Aenki's tail undulates lazily through the air.

Illiya grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view.

Useff puts on an ethereal naga composed of gloomglass.

Jycanth sweeps his bells in front of him in quick, methodical swings.

Hamuk mumbles something under his breath.

Haxen casually observes the area.

Navesi gazes about her surroundings, her vision drawn towards something unseen.

Navesi inhales sharply. A flurry of frost flutters about her body as the magic leaves her staggered.

Jycanth's bells steadily brightens, until it burns like a vivid and fiery torch!

Jycanth's bells fades over the course of a few seconds, returning to normal.

Aenki takes a sip of his blood-ale.

Useff gazes about his surroundings, his vision drawn towards something unseen.

Useff inhales sharply. Though there is no apparent physical change to him, he seems more aloof.

Jycanth attaches a cluster of windsteel bells scribed with cryptic symbols to his wrist.

You say, "For the rest of us in attendance, I would ask that we all be on guard in case of any... negative results. Violence is unlikely from the attempt, itself, but as has been addressed in the past, the use of Othersight does not only reveal things to the Elementalists, but it can also reveal the Elementalists to anyone, or anything, that may be observing the Aether lattice. As Uryutis said, the Elemental charge gathered in our bodies reflects particularly well, causing us to stand out like fireflies against the night sky. So I would urge everyone to be vigilant."

Navesi puts her rod in her canvas rucksack.

Miraeven snuffs out his burnt incense.

Tiny tendrils of lightning begin to jolt between Hamuk's hands as he utters a few magical words!

Jycanth gazes about his surroundings, his vision drawn towards something unseen.

Jycanth inhales sharply. A cooling breeze drifts from him as the magic leaves him staggered.

Miraeven puts his incense in his traveler's rucksack.

Madigan extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Elurora nods to you.

Elurora draws forth a loimic war scythe with starry white blossoms strewn across its crescentic blade.

Elurora leans on her scythe.

Hamuk glances at Elurora.

Hamuk grins.

(Valynn steps to the back of the group, eyes alert to any danger.)

Hamuk gestures.
A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away.

A crash of shattering glass echoes through the area. You are overcome by a sense of wrongness.

Madigan seems to lose some of his verve.

Elurora says to Hamuk, "She said to be on guard."

Eyst ponders.

Aislynn winces.

Hamuk shivers.

Tirost searches around for a moment.

The holy golden radiance around Buzan subsides, retreating into his body.

Aislynn makes a grunting noise.

Avrenka gestures.

Hamuk nods to Elurora.

The holy golden radiance around Rhonys subsides, retreating into his body.

Hamuk grins.

Tirost's darkened eyes return to normal.

Hamuk kneels.

Miraeven gets some holy water from inside his traveler's rucksack.

The final words of Casari's song fade even as they glide into the air.

Hamuk coughs.

The faint roar emanating from Tirost's forearms suddenly ceases.

Hamuk stands up.

Illiya gets a blue glass bottle with a crackled interior from inside her encompassing shadows.

You say, "We will take a few moments here for everyone to finish their preparations."

You smile.

Saragos's darkened eyes return to normal.

Elurora moves a glass of fresh milk to her left hand.

Elurora moves a loimic war scythe with starry white blossoms strewn across its crescentic blade to her right hand.

Elurora takes a sip of her milk.

Ezerak nibbles his lip thoughtfully.

Elurora puts her milk in her square lunchbox.

Ezerak moves over to guard you.

Aenki takes a sip of his blood-ale.

Navesi traces a curving sigil in the air.

Casari inhales sharply as transparent waves of building energy distort the color of her surroundings for a moment.

Buzan stretches his arms.

Phierre whispers something to Jaelia.

Elurora beams at Aislynn!

Aislynn smiles at Elurora.

Buzan glances at a Gnome commoner.

Avrenka smiles at Elurora.

Esotericist Eyst plods east.

Hurricane Fist Hamuk goes southeast.

Buzan rolls his eyes.

Elurora giggles at Avrenka.

Elurora nods at Avrenka, obviously agreeing with his views.

Hurricane Fist Hamuk just arrived.

Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air.

Casari briefly spreads her arms outward and begins to sing. A few hushed notes meander unrestrained by tempo before settling into a steady pace.

Navesi gestures.
Staccato notes rip fiercely through the air, Navesi's words flowing effortlessly between each punctuated note, resonating through your mind with a sense of tranquility.

Tirost gestures.
Tirost's eyes darken a shade.

Navesi traces a curving sigil in the air.

Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Substratum spell.

Hamuk gestures.
Hamuk's eyes darken a shade.

Esotericist Eyst just arrived.

Hamuk pats himself down looking for something!

You gesture.
Focusing on the aethereal plane you draw out thin lines forming a grid that surrounds you at arms length. The lines quickly fade from sight, but you still feel very aware of their position.

Avrenka nods to Elurora.

Phierre squints at a Gnome commoner.

Hamuk takes a seat.

Jaelia whispers something to Phierre.

Jaelia puts her tea in her dragonar haversack.

Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Aether Cloak spell.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Valynn gazes at a Gnome commoner.

Navesi traces a curving sigil in the air.

Aenki winks.

Ghust quietly asks, "Whats with th' commoners?"

Phierre grins at Jaelia, his dimples flashing into view.

You gesture.
Everything seems to darken, and you feel slightly colder as a cloak of aether folds itself possessively about you.

Haxen casually observes the area.

Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes.

Buzan says, "A pet."

Jycanth says to Ghust, "They're are more commoners than adventurers, I wouldn't worry about it."

Phierre says, "Pretty sure that might be David, but a lot of gnomes look alike to me so I could be wrong."

Jycanth grins at Ghust.

Ezerak asks Ghust, "Perhaps they are as worried about magic as we are?"

Aislynn quietly says to Ghust, "Even commoners get curious about mystical things."

Aenki takes a sip of his blood-ale.

Illiya nods at Aislynn, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ghust nods.

Aislynn glances at a Gnome commoner.

Hodoor says, "I'd ask them to remain calm but they're already doing that."

Dantia chuckles at Hodoor.

Madigan grins at Hodoor.

Avrenka snickers.

A Gnome commoner gazes about with a calm look on her face.

Valynn gives Hodoor a wry grin.

Aislynn smirks.

The tip of Aislynn's tail makes lazy circles in the air.

Jycanth chuckles.

The Gnome commoner says, "Just observing. I wanted a front row seat when the stones start misbehaving."

Karthor glares at a Gnome commoner.

Karthor makes an angry grunting noise.

You say, "I see some people are still preparing, so we will wait a few moments longer."

You smile.

Dantia gestures.

Jycanth says, "I rather hope they don't misbehave, but I get it."

Jycanth grins.

Hamuk says, "Nearly there."

Hodoor points at a grey standing stone.

Hamuk smiles at you.

Avrenka says, "Hopefully we gain insight as to what is breaking the replenishment of the Elemental cycle."

You smile at Hamuk.

Hamuk kneels.

Hodoor says, "That stone is subject to the law, just like everything else."

Jaelia gets some burnt incense from inside her dragonar haversack.

Aenki prods a grey standing stone with the tip of his finger.

Hamuk gets a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts from inside his leucro hide pack.

Jaelia gets a small silver dragon from inside her dragonar haversack.

Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently.

Hamuk stands up.

Saragos nods to Avrenka.

Aenki seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a grey standing stone.

Aenki shrugs.

Hamuk nods to you.

Dasheek asks, "Breaking the replenishment of the Elemental cycle?"

Avrenka holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Saragos says, "I think the Stones are drawing in a large amount of mana. It's a good place to check for clues about the replenishment cycle."

Dasheek asks Avrenka, "Mind explaining that a bit for those of us that are out of the loop?"

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Illiya asks Dasheek, "Haven't you noticed that when researching?"

Jaelia puts her incense in her dragonar haversack.

Dasheek sighs.

Phierre whispers something to Jaelia.

Dantia closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Avrenka says to Dasheek, "Recent research efforts from Warrior mages and Bards have noted something broken about the Elemental cycle replenishment."

Aenki whispers something to Elurora.

Ghust quietly asks, "Anyone need healin before we go?"

Dantia takes a sip of her wine.

Experiment

You say, "If everyone is ready, we will go ahead and begin."

Dasheek says, "Right.."

Dasheek nods.

You smile.

Hamuk nods to you.

In the blink of an eye, Valynn disappears into her surroundings.

Casari takes a seat near a grey standing stone.

Jycanth nods to Ghust.

Aenki nods to Elurora.

Jycanth says to Ghust, "Just a touch."

Ghust rests his hand on Jycanth's arm with a soft smile.

Jycanth grins.

You say, "To start, I would ask that everyone be as quiet and still as possible. Anyone who is not still joined with me is welcome to join now, so we can all link hands and potentially strengthen our senses. There is no guarantee our amateur skills will work to accomplish this, but the least we can do is try."

Avrenka says to Dasheek, "Rsearchers from the GCMH college believe the Zaulfung Stones accomplish some sort of replenishment of this elemental cycle."

Madigan grins at Hodoor.

Hamuk joins your group.

Karthor asks Tirost, "Oh, mind acceptin' a link? May's well try my hairbrained idea again, eh?"

Tirost joins your group.

Phierre says, "Dantia has the right idea, chugging an entire bottle. Calms the nerves."

Hamuk smiles and extends his hand to those nearest him.

Phierre nods.

Dantia nods to Phierre.

Saragos nods.

Miraeven just touched a circle of obsidian.

Jycanth says to Ghust, "Thanks."

Illiya grins at Dantia, her dimples flashing into view.

Jycanth smiles.

Ghust nods.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Dantia says to Phierre, "Easier than bringing five glasses out here."

You say, "I encourage you all to focus on the Aether. Release your worries on the physical world, and look deep into the Aetheric web. Seek it. Listen to it. Try to draw an image or sound of it, not with your eyes or ears, but with your mind and the sensitivity granted to us as Elementalists."

Phierre nods to Dantia.

Miraeven taps a circle of obsidian that he is wearing.

Phierre says, "Less dishes to do as well."

Jycanth applauds enthusiastically and flips a platinum Kronar in Ghust's direction. He snatches it nimbly from the air!

Miraeven presses his finger against a circle of obsidian. The gem glows briefly, then falls away from his forehead.

Dantia nods in agreement.

Avrenka glances up at the sky.

After a few moments he lowers his gaze.

Illiya grins at Phierre, her dimples flashing into view.

Dasheek settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes.

Miraeven puts his obsidian in his messenger's satchel.

You say, "For now, let us take a few moments of silence and focus."

You take in a great breath of air.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Rhonys gestures.
He twiddles his fingers at the white banner.
The white banner bobs and shudders for a moment.

Dantia searches around for a moment.

Hamuk gazes up at the sky.

Avrenka takes a deep breath.

(Tirost closes his eyes and reaches out with his senses.)

Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air.

Phierre covers his mouth with his hand.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Avrenka lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Dasheek stands up.

Haxen inhales a great swallow of air.

Phierre closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Saragos takes a seat.

Haxen slowly empties his lungs.

Hamuk slowly empties his lungs.

Saragos inhales a great swallow of air.

Aislynn's eyes darken with thought, and her tail grows very still.

Saragos slowly empties his lungs.

You take in a great breath of air.

Aislynn casually observes the area.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Wearing a thoughtful expression, Hodoor wipes a bit of slobber from his mouth.

Hamuk stares blankly into the distance.

Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air.

Dasheek looks at Illiya and shrugs.

Hamuk slowly empties his lungs.

Aislynn closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Dantia closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Tirost holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Aenki offers Elurora a pint of red blood-ale.

You quietly say, "Everyone, maintain calm, deep breaths."

Elurora declines Aenki's offer.

Navesi gazes about, drinking in her surroundings.

Haxen inhales a great swallow of air.

Hamuk gazes off into the distance.

Haxen slowly empties his lungs.

Elurora grins at Aenki.

(Saragos stares at the Zaulfung Stones intently, the black of his Aether Cloaked eyes lending him a grim appearance in the moonlit night.)

Avrenka closes his eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes his head and sighs in frustration.

Navesi lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Madigan holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Casari holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

Aenki grins at Elurora.

Madigan holds a black standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Avrenka holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Aenki casually observes the area.

Rhonys holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Aenki takes a sip of his blood-ale.

You quietly say, "We will try for a little longer."

Phierre turns his greatcloak.

Phierre fades from your very sight!

Hodoor looks like he is exercising his thumb -- how odd.

(Elurora stands to one side trying to remain out of the way of the mages in the circle, her gaze roving around the area slowly.)

You take in a great breath of air.

(Jaelia maintains her calm light breaths while falling deeper into a trance.)

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Aenki grins at Elurora.

Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air.

Hamuk slowly empties his lungs.

Avrenka sniffs the air around him.

Aenki's tail undulates lazily through the air.

(Aislynn keeps her gaze glued to the stones, squinting in the late evening light.)

Elurora giggles at Aenki.

You quietly say, "I hate to give up too soon, so I would urge everyone to bear with us a little longer."

Aenki grins at Elurora.

Useff settles back, straightening his back and folding his legs together into a comfortable position. He closes his eyes and seems to grow very calm.

Useff continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply.

Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Jaelia just touched a grey standing stone.

You take in a great breath of air.

Hamuk slowly empties his lungs.

Elurora holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Elurora holds a black standing stone in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

Buzan holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Outrider Chrysagon just arrived.

Aenki glances at Elurora.

Aenki holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Elurora looks at Aenki and shrugs.

Chrysagon raises his hand in a quick salute.

Hamuk gazes up at the sky.

Aenki prods a grey standing stone with the tip of his finger.

Useff continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply.

Elurora quietly says to Aenki, "I thought maybe I'd sense something but no luck."

Aenki nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Useff opens his eyes and gazes around the area, looking focused and refreshed.

Hodoor sniffles.

Aenki quietly says to Elurora, "It was a good idea, nonetheless."

Hodoor sniffs the air around him.

You softly say, "Sadly, I think our mastery of Othersight perhaps is not quite right for this just yet."

Closing

Dasheek puts his charm in his low-brimmed hat.

Useff stands up.

Jycanth appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Aislynn glances at Jycanth.

Hodoor says, "I smell..."

Navesi nods to you.

Aislynn chuckles.

Hodoor sniffs the air around him.

Karthor squints through his spectacles at a grey standing stone.

Hamuk slowly empties his lungs.

Hodoor says, "...crime."

Saragos nods to you.

Jycanth clears his throat.

Illiya gazes at Hodoor.

Madigan quietly says, "If this is your first time to the Stones, you can raed the first stone for some history."

You notice Phierre trying to remain hidden while speaking.

You hear the voice of Phierre say, "Did we try kicking them? I find kicking things sometimes helps..."

Avrenka says to you, "Perhaps nothing happening is a good thing ... the Stones may be undisturbed."

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

You say, "But I am grateful that we at least tried."

Hamuk holds a grey standing stone in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

You nod to Avrenka.

Hamuk nods to you.

Saragos says to you, "We just have to keep working on it. We know the theory is sound. Some of us have seen it before."

Elurora nods to Avrenka.

Casari says, "Well, that other guy has been doing it for years. Apparently, sitting still isn't as easy as it looks."

You say to Avrenka, "That may be the best way to look at it."

Casari leaps to her feet!

Casari dusts herself off.

Elurora flashes a wide grin at Casari.

Phierre fades into view.

You nod at Saragos, in complete agreement with his views.

Saragos nods to Avrenka.

Illiya says to you, "It's at least eliminated one possibility, so we can move on to another."

Elurora puts her scythe in her thigh bag.

Elurora sheathes her war scythe.

Avrenka nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "Regardless of our success or lack thereof, I do wish to thank everyone for joining us this evening in this attempt."

Tirost's darkened eyes return to normal.

Miskton nods to Illiya.

Ghust nods.

Dantia smiles.

Hamuk's darkened eyes return to normal.

Elurora smiles at you.

Casari scans the area briefly.

With a waver like a mirage, Valynn fades into view.

Madigan says, "Just so. Top notch work folks."

You nod to Illiya.

Chrysagon says, "Hey ghust."

Ghust quietly says, "Ah ran here cause ah wanted ta help."

Madigan smiles warmly.

Hamuk sighs.

Aenki gazes at Elurora.

Ghust smiles at Chrysagon.

Hamuk smiles at Ghust.

Elurora glances at Aenki.

Ghust quietly says, "Hi."

Rhonys bows his head and chants a prayer.

Casari asks Madigan, "You were kind of hoping something went sideways, weren't you?"

Hamuk pats Ghust on the back.

Miskton takes a sip of his Demise.

Karthor chuckles.

You chuckle at Casari.

Hamuk says to Ghust, "It is appreciated."

Tirost chuckles.

Ezerak chuckles at Casari.

Hamuk takes a seat.

Phierre raises his hand in a quick salute.

Back Alley Hack Phierre saunters east.

Rhonys gestures.

He twiddles his fingers at the white banner.

Madigan grins at Casari.

You say, "If everyone would like, we can return to the Pierless Inn for now."

Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes.

Rhonys extends his hand toward a ghostly white banner and concentrates.

Hamuk nods to you.

Avrenka nods to you.

Tirost left the group.

Dasheek joins your group.

Casari comes and stands near you.

Hamuk stands up.

Chrysagon says, "So whats going on here."

Tirost joins Madigan's group.

Illiya says, "Thank you Avrenka and Ayrell for taking the time to put this together and give us some background information."

Eyst joins your group.

Elurora nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

Valynn grins at Chrysagon.

Ghust joins your group.

You say, "For those who would like to travel with us, feel free to join me."

Avrenka says, "Thanks for coming all."

You smile at Illiya.

Valynn nods to Madigan.

Jycanth joins your group.

Tirost gestures.

Haxen goes east.

Hodoor says, "Sure thing."

Hamuk leans on Elurora.

Aislynn glances at Jaelia.

Elurora says to Avrenka, "It was a good thought."

Hamuk says to Elurora, "Worth a shot."

Elurora nods at Hamuk, obviously agreeing with his views.

You say, "We will be moving in 5."

Valynn dusts herself off.

Avrenka nods to Elurora.

Illiya nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.

Elurora says to Hamuk, "I'm just glad we didn't get 'boarded'."

Valynn pulls down the hood of her cloak.

Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke.

You go east, leading your group.