Anuril/Logs/20230422 Looming Threat

Event Name: The Looming Threat

Event Instance: Prime

Real Date: 2023-04-22

Game Date of Event: 443-03-23

Point of View: Anuril

You clear your throat. You are Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Elemental Student of the Order of the Black Fox, an Elf. You have a triangular face, pointed ears, gold-flecked amber eyes and a straight nose. Your platinum hair is long and straight, and is worn in a simple, pulled-back style held in place by a velvety black Mer'Kresh lightning rose cradled by wine jasper-dappled leaves. You have pale skin and a lean build. You are a bit over average height for an Elf. You are young. A curved shard of crimson moonsilver inlaid with vengeance rubies pierces your left earlobe. The silvery-red metal casts an eerie blood-red glow over the side of your face. Your left cheekbone has a tattoo of a vibrant bouquet of etlingera flowers inked in fiery pink and red hues. You are in good shape. You are wearing a firestorm damask cloak lined with ebony silk, a sigilated platinum ring, a gentleman's firestorm damask greatcoat embellished with ornate sungold epaulets, a firestorm damask vest lined with cloth-of-gold, a flax-colored seasilk shirt long gathered sleeves, an uthamar wedding band inlaid with tiny lightning bolts formed of xenomite, a gold-threaded samite sash clasped with a Gemfire ruby brooch, a silver key with a spider-web design on the grip, a pair of fiery scarlet khaddar pants with black piping on the seams and some somber black leather boots laced with dark grey silk cords. Betlind exclaims to you, "You got this!" Betlind looks at you and lets out a hearty cheer on your behalf! Betlind hugs you, and you give her a smile in return. You grin. You say, "Alright, let's not keep my adoring audience waiting." Betlind exclaims, "Let's go!" You chuckle. Betlind beams! >go gate [Asemath Academy, Porte-cochere] A flagstone pavement and a covered porte-cochere lead into the grounds of the Academy. West of you the campus opens out into a series of lovely wooded gardens with the buildings arranged in a quadrangle all around it. Students and professors stroll about, engaged in deep discussions or forming small study groups under the trees. To either side of the entrance are the administration offices and the admissions center. You also see a low bronze gate and a memorial arch. Obvious paths: north, south, west. Betlind followed. You go west, leading your group. [Asemath Academy, Eastern Walkway] A walkway paved with crushed stone in a soft blue-green hue runs between tastefully arranged copses of trees in a large central open area. The trees show signs of Elvish life-sculpting and form harmonious groupings that display their dense foliage to perfect advantage. Here and there, groups of flowering bushes or plantings of bright blossoms lend a serene touch of color to the scene. Groups of students wander about or study quietly. You also see a sign. Also here: Shield Maiden Betlind. Obvious paths: north, east, south, west. You go west, leading your group. [Asemath Academy, Central Fountain] Here in the center, at the very heart of the Academy, a fountain stands. Carved with cunning and skill, it represents Knowledge pouring out her wisdom to a thirsty world and the academy's founder stooping to drink deeply of her gift. Coins glitter in the pool, tossed there by superstitious students hoping for luck on an exam. Walkways lead from here in several directions to other parts of the institution. You also see some maple lumber, a maple comb, a basic runestone, some maple lumber, a maple comb, a basic runestone, a basic runestone, a basic runestone, some maple lumber, a maple comb, a basic runestone, some maple lumber, a maple comb, some maple lumber, a maple comb, a basic runestone and a basic runestone. Also here: Shield Maiden Betlind. Obvious paths: north, east, south, west. You go north, leading your group. [Asemath Academy, Northern Walkway] This walkway leads to some of the classrooms of the Academy. Lined with sweet-scented flowers, it is a pleasant place to be almost any day of the year. Also here: Shield Maiden Betlind, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura and Merchant King Keshko who is blurred by hazy afterimages. Obvious paths: north, northeast, south, northwest. You peer northwest and see ... [Asemath Academy, Auditorium] This hall, used for lectures and other presentations, can hold the entire student body and faculty of the Academy. Rows of benches for the students and chairs for the professors are arranged before a low platform for the speakers or guests. The room is done in polished rosewood walls enlivened with woven hangings in abstract patterns. Brass and crystal lightglobes hold candles for evening presentations. You also see a disagreeable Shadow Servant. Also here: Mountain Lord Ezerak, Newswoman Navesi, Zaydencus, Xihlamia, War Wizard Etasia who has a stony visage, Field Medic Darkewolff, Imerald, Long Sticka Morlokk, Blood Dancer Selame who is sitting, Heart Tender Kethrai, Grey Empath Akeiro who is sitting, Philomath Miskton, Musical Enthusiast Ansara, Black Fox Lycette who is orbited by twinkling starlit galaxies, Shadow Mage Telamont who is wreathed in Katamba-black shadows, Sothios who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Puppet Master Ezustrea who is sitting, Soul Surgeon Zynell who is crowned by a ring of glimmering stars, Ahneya, Outfitting Legend Danoryiel, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Primal Lady Zalinyar, Black Fox Xionara, Squire Eskila, Fox Kit Ysindre, Coethi, Iconn who is sitting, Vagrant Jaerk, Fearless Crobin, Transcendent Empath Leayne, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light and Sonic Sonance Sonatina. Obvious exits: out. You nod to Jaelia. Jaelia beams at you! What a warm feeling! Jaelia nods. Betlind hugs Jaelia, getting a smile in return. Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Jaelia hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Mother Jaelia goes northwest. You go northwest, leading your group. [Asemath Academy, Auditorium] This hall, used for lectures and other presentations, can hold the entire student body and faculty of the Academy. Rows of benches for the students and chairs for the professors are arranged before a low platform for the speakers or guests. The room is done in polished rosewood walls enlivened with woven hangings in abstract patterns. Brass and crystal lightglobes hold candles for evening presentations. You also see a disagreeable Shadow Servant. Also here: Shield Maiden Betlind, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Newswoman Navesi, Zaydencus, Xihlamia, War Wizard Etasia who has a stony visage, Field Medic Darkewolff, Imerald, Long Sticka Morlokk, Blood Dancer Selame who is sitting, Heart Tender Kethrai, Grey Empath Akeiro who is sitting, Philomath Miskton, Musical Enthusiast Ansara, Black Fox Lycette who is orbited by twinkling starlit galaxies, Shadow Mage Telamont who is wreathed in Katamba-black shadows, Sothios who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Puppet Master Ezustrea who is sitting, Soul Surgeon Zynell who is crowned by a ring of glimmering stars, Ahneya, Outfitting Legend Danoryiel, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Primal Lady Zalinyar, Black Fox Xionara, Squire Eskila, Fox Kit Ysindre, Coethi, Iconn who is sitting, Vagrant Jaerk, Fearless Crobin, Transcendent Empath Leayne, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light and Sonic Sonance Sonatina. Obvious exits: out. Sothios nods to Danoryiel. You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. Crobin hugs you. You smile. Ansara says, "I have corrections for your last edition." Xionara waves to you. Navesi says, "Good to see you all too." Xionara bounces around happily. Lowering her head in reverence, Betlind takes a step backward and bends into a formal bow. Selame offers Akeiro a glass of cinnamon cider. Navesi nods to Ansara. Leayne smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Akeiro accepts Selame's cinnamon cider. Xionara hugs you. Elurora hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Ears tilted forward, Selame curls her tail around Akeiro's waist loosely. Navesi asks Ansara, "Mind talking to me after?" Akeiro trills softly at Selame. Elurora waves to you. Leayne hugs you. You say, "Hello, everyone." Betlind hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return. Etasia smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Akeiro takes a bite of the bananas. Xihlamia stops listening to Crobin. Kethrai places his hands on your shoulders and directs a fond, rumbling purr in your direction as he presses his forehead against your own. Tirost smiles at Betlind. Sonatina hugs you. Jaelia beams at you! What a warm feeling! Akeiro waves to you. Betlind smiles at Elurora, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Ansara says, "Thats acceptable." Sonatina hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Morlokk nods to you. Akeiro waves to Betlind. Betlind hugs Sonatina, who wraps her arms around Betlind with a warm smile. Ezustrea waves to you. Ansara nods to Navesi. Akeiro takes a bite of the bananas. Ezerak doffs his top hat. Betlind beams at Akeiro! Leayne softly says, "Hello." Betlind just hugged Akeiro. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Sonatina just hugged Navesi. Akeiro hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Xionara chuckles at Ansara. Elurora grins at Betlind. Navesi hugs Sonatina, who wraps her arms around Navesi with a warm smile. Ezerak hugs Navesi, who wraps her arms around Ezerak with a warm smile. Ezerak shakes Miskton's hand. Betlind snickers at Elurora. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Navesi hugs Ezerak, getting a smile in return. Betlind nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views. (Anuril moves over to the front of the hall, flanked by Betlind.) Miskton nods politely to Ezerak. Kethrai hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Betlind comes and stands near you. Eskila moves into position to cover Kethrai from harm. Kethrai coughs. Crobin hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Etasia says, "Coffee yes please." Etasia smiles at Darkewolff, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Darkewolff offers Etasia some Kygar's roast coffee. Leayne smiles at Betlind, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Darkewolff smiles at Etasia. Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Betlind. Etasia accepts Darkewolff's roast coffee. Crobin waves to Darkewolff. Betlind loosens the straps securing her majestic aegis and removes it. Betlind draws forth an elegant haledroth tachi with a silversteel butterfly tsuba. Betlind traces a complex glyph in the space above her right arm. Darkewolff waves to Crobin. Salvitoriel just arrived. Darkewolff smiles at Crobin. Zynell leans back against Sothios with a loving smile. Ears tilted forward, Zynell curls her tail around Telamont's waist loosely. Crobin waves to Salvitoriel. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Betlind. You loudly say, "Hello, thank you all for attending this talk. Please make yourselves comfortable while I go over a few administrative items." Leayne smiles at Salvitoriel, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Etasia smiles at Ezustrea, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Akeiro asks Betlind, "Expecting trouble?" Ezustrea smiles at Etasia. A soft silver glow briefly envelops Betlind's haledroth tachi. You smile at Tirost. Etasia nods to Darkewolff. Leayne wraps her arms lovingly around Crobin, snuggling close. Zynell observes you with fascination. Tirost smiles. Akeiro takes a bite of the bananas. Betlind says to Akeiro, "Be a poor Paladin if I weren't." Darkewolff waves to Zynell. Darkewolff waves to Telamont. Warder Meganlique just arrived. You clear your throat. Zynell grins at Darkewolff. Ezerak shakes Darkewolff's hand. Akeiro grins at Betlind. Darkewolff nods politely to Miskton. Elurora chuckles at Betlind. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Etasia waves to Ezerak. Meganlique angles her ears forward in curiosity. Darkewolff smiles at Sothios. You beam! Kethrai gazes thoughtfully at you. Meganlique studies the faces around her. Aratasa just arrived. Ezerak waves to Etasia. Darkewolff nods politely to Ezerak. Ezustrea smiles at Aratasa. Danoryiel waves to Meganlique. Darkewolff smiles at Meganlique. Elurora gives Ezerak a slight curtsy, barely more than a quick bob. Exile's Bane Eonon just arrived. Meganlique stands near Xionara. Aratasa waves to Ezustrea. Elurora grins at Ezerak. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Meganlique waves to Danoryiel. Eonon grins. Meganlique waves to Darkewolff. Miskton nods politely to Darkewolff. Selame takes a bite of the tart. Meganlique moves over to guard Xionara. You say, "It's lovely to see so many familiar faces." Darkewolff waves to Meganlique. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Selame. Aratasa bows to you. Selame nods to Akeiro. You nod to Aratasa. Elurora gazes hopefully at Ahneya. Aratasa takes a seat. Sonatina studies the faces around her. Sfarns del Dzive Nawain just arrived. Akeiro hums happily to himself. Elurora waves to Nawain. Akeiro waves to Nawain. Betlind moves over to guard you. Etasia smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Nawain waves to Akeiro. Nawain waves to Elurora. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Nawain beams! Ears tilted forward, Selame curls her tail around Akeiro's waist loosely. Leayne smiles at Nawain, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Etasia smiles at Nawain, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Darkewolff rests his hand on Etasia's arm with a soft smile. Eonon smiles at Betlind. Crobin waves to Nawain. Morlokk pats Salvitoriel on the back. Tirost smiles at Etasia. Nawain waves to Leayne. Akeiro takes a bite of the bananas. Nawain beams at Etasia! Crobin waves to Morlokk. Nawain waves to Crobin. Darkewolff smiles. Meganlique whispers something to Xionara. Etasia beams at Nawain! Selame hugs Salvitoriel, getting a smile in return. Betlind smiles at Eonon, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Salvitoriel grins at Morlokk. You get an odd feeling that someone is watching you. It quickly passes. Etasia just hugged Nawain. Akeiro puts his cider in his entangling brambles. Xionara studies the ground for a moment. Akeiro stands up. Grey Empath Akeiro drifts out. Morlokk nods politely to Crobin. Nawain hugs Etasia, who wraps her arms around Nawain with a warm smile. Salvitoriel smiles at Selame. Morlokk slowly asks, "Found that treasure yet?" Crobin waves to Navesi. You gravely say, "First of all, my Halipa Mazrian could not be with us today, but my, and I'm sure many of our, thoughts are with him at this time." Morlokk grins at Salvitoriel. You nod. Xionara nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Zynell nods in agreement. Selame takes a bite of the tart. Elurora nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Kethrai nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Grey Empath Akeiro just arrived. Etasia nods in agreement. Leayne nods. Akeiro chuckles. Akeiro takes a seat near Selame. Salvitoriel quietly says to Morlokk, "Haven'a been back after it no." Meganlique trills softly at you. Darkewolff nods. Selame leans over and scratches Akeiro's back. Etasia sits down on the comfortable chair. Vice-Speaker Levinas just arrived. Levinas waves. Akeiro makes a rumbling noise of contentment in Selame's direction. Xionara bounces around happily. Morlokk nods at Salvitoriel, obviously agreeing with his views. Xionara hugs Levinas, who wraps his arms around Xionara with a warm smile. Leayne smiles at Levinas, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You loudly say, "Alright, let's get to it." Xionara's ears perk up happily. Morlokk slowly says, "Well have to remedy that soon." Levinas just hugged Xionara. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. You say, "I am Anuril, a member of the warrior mage guild, and the subject today will be Forbidden Practices. If you're looking for History of the Seven Star Empire 400-240BL, that is next door." Selame takes a bite of the tart. Levinas hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Levinas with a warm smile. Levinas hugs Lycette, who wraps her arms around Levinas with a warm smile. Tirost chuckles. Elurora starts chortling at you! Morlokk rubs Iconn in a friendly manner. You smile. Jaelia grins at you. (Levinas hugs everyone) Selame takes a bite of the tart. Leayne smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Darkewolff sits down on the comfortable chair. Levinas shakes your hand. Selame gets a glass of cinnamon cider from inside her thigh bag. Tirost smiles at Betlind. Morlokk rubs Iconn in a friendly manner. Ezerak says, "Oh, I should go to that, it's the last credits I need to finally graduate." Ezerak appears to be trying hard not to grin. You grin at Ezerak. Selame chortles softly at some secret joke. Elurora giggles at Ezerak. Selame takes a bite of the tart. You say, "If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or corrections I would ask you to hold them until the conclusion of the talk. There will be a reception just outside, by the fountain, and I look forward to any discussion you wish to have." Selame takes a sip of her cider. Morlokk grins at Xionara. Leayne leans on Crobin. Darkewolff whispers something to Etasia. Xionara winks. Lycette gives Levinas a smooch. Etasia whispers something to Darkewolff. Crobin snuggles up to Leayne. You ponder. Selame takes a sip of her cider. Aratasa nods. You carefully say, "I would like to thank Asemath Academy for granting me the use of this hall, and apologize that I was not able to deliver my full remarks to them for review ahead of time. Any views or opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect the position of the Academy or its Board." You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. Selame takes a bite of the tart. Jaelia applauds. You say, "I would also like to extend my thanks to Navesi, and the First Land Herald for providing a chronicle of recent events that I could refer to in order to learn about things that occurred elsewhere in the world before I joined the guild." Lycette smiles brightly, exuding confidence and charm. Morlokk nods at Xionara, obviously agreeing with her views. You nod to Navesi. Navesi smiles at you. Selame leans on Akeiro. Xionara looks at Navesi and applauds! Navesi bows her head in acknowledgement. Etasia dimples at Eskila. Kethrai praises Navesi. Miskton takes a sip of his ale. Raising her mocha milkshake to Navesi, Jaelia gives her a toast. Elurora looks at Navesi and applauds! Meganlique nods to Navesi. Navesi says, "Might I mention that Shaylynne took the lead on that article." Raising his Reserve ale to Levinas, Miskton gives him a toast. Xionara beams at Morlokk! Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. Levinas grins at Miskton. Levinas nods. Levinas nods politely. Sonatina takes a sip of her Schnapps. You exclaim to Navesi, "So noted!" Selame grins at Akeiro. Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. You say, "As this subject is a delicate one and covers activities that provoke strong emotional reactions, are illegal in many jurisdictions, are forbidden by the inqusition, etc., I have retained the services of body guards. Please obey their directions in case of any disturbance and, for your own safety, take note of the nearest exit." Navesi nods to Tirost. Elurora glances at Betlind. Elurora appears to be trying hard not to grin. Betlind points out. You nod to Betlind. You praise Betlind. Jaelia nods to Betlind. Crobin smiles. Xionara ponders. Ahneya smiles at Elurora. Crobin says, "Promises to be fun if bodyguards are needed." Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Tirost nods to Navesi. Elurora chuckles at Ahneya. You grin at Crobin. Akeiro scoots over a little closer to Selame. Kethrai whispers something to Betlind. Crobin hugs Selame, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Leayne giggles at Crobin. You ponder. Betlind blinks at Kethrai. Crobin smiles at Betlind. Betlind nods to Kethrai. (Coethi shifts uncomfortably.) Meganlique nods to Xionara. You say, "First, a definition of terms and clarification. I realize that the term 'forbidden practices' is somewhat broad, and for the purpose of this talk I will not be covering certain practices that are unique to the Empath guild, as I have little experience in that arena." Betlind adjusts her half plate into place. Sonatina takes a sip of her Schnapps. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. Ears tilted forward, Selame curls her tail around Akeiro's waist loosely. Kethrai clears his throat. Jaelia whispers something to Coethi. Kethrai nods. You say, "Instead, I will mainly be focusing my attentions on those practices related to spell casting that have been designated illegal, forbidden, or are directly punished by the Immortals. In laymans terms: sorcery, witchcraft, necromancy and the like." Coethi nods to Jaelia. Aratasa nods. Levinas nods. Elurora nods to you. Jaelia nods to Coethi. Akeiro quietly says to Selame, "The good stuff." Akeiro nods to Selame. Crobin frowns. Dreadnaught Imroth just arrived. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. Crobin chuckles. Leayne peers quizzically at Crobin. Selame winks at Akeiro. Imroth casually observes the area. You say, "I am no expert in this field, rest assured, but I have had certain experiences during my life and career that I will use to frame this discussion. The primary experience, the catalyst for this talk, if you will, being the assault on Basalt Isle that took place six years ago, in 439." You gaze off into the distance blankly. Leayne nods to Crobin. Tirost takes a sip of his ale. You nod. Xionara gazes at you. Leayne nods to you. You hesitantly say, "But first, let me discuss my life prior to that moment in time." Eonon grins at you. You give Eonon a slight nod. Shadow's Touch Alanarue just arrived. Crobin hugs Alanarue, getting a smile in return. Salvitoriel smiles at Alanarue. Alanarue hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Alanarue dimples at Salvitoriel. Leayne hugs Alanarue, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile. Akeiro wraps his arms around Alanarue, giving Alanarue a great big bear hug! Alanarue hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Xionara waves to Alanarue. Alanarue hugs Akeiro, who wraps his arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Alanarue waves to Xionara. Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at you. Lycette hugs Alanarue, who wraps her arms around Lycette with a warm smile. Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Morlokk nods to Alanarue. Alanarue hugs Lycette, who wraps her arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Selame hugs Alanarue, getting a smile in return. You say, "I am a river elf. I grew up living near Ilaya Taipa, among fisherfolk. My primary exposure to the concept of sorcery was via stories and tales meant to frighten, caution, or even thrill the audience." Lycette smiles brightly, exuding confidence and charm. Alanarue smiles at Morlokk, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. You smile. Alanarue hugs Selame, who wraps her arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Alanarue hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Betlind hugs Alanarue, who wraps her arms around Betlind with a warm smile. Alanarue just hugged Eskila. Alanarue nods to Kethrai. Kethrai hugs Alanarue, getting a smile in return. Alanarue hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. Etasia smiles at Alanarue, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Alanarue hugs Etasia, who wraps her arms around Alanarue with a warm smile. You dryly say, "You can imagine that the Bone Elves, who split from our cousins the Mountain Elves some three thousand years ago featured prominently in these tales as villains, schemers, infiltrators. Reclusive, antagonistic, mysterious, practitioners of dark arts." Etasia hugs Alanarue, who wraps her arms around Etasia with a warm smile. Levinas nods to you. Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration. Zynell grins. Selame trills softly at Akeiro. You darkly say, "Do your chores... don't be late getting home... be careful around strangers... or the Bone Elves will get you." Alanarue grins at Etasia, her dimples flashing into view. Sothios nods to Zynell. Kethrai giggles. Morlokk nods at Jaelia, obviously agreeing with her views. Elurora blinks at you. You make a grunting noise. You nod to Elurora. Etasia ponders. Etasia shrugs. You say, "Nearby is Leth Deriel, the big city to my young mind. Just outside its walls is the Forest of Night. Created almost a thousand years ago by the mage Sithsia, who some call witch, and who may still reside there. Another spectre lurking in the dark to menace a young elf thinking of disobeying their parents." Crobin flicks one ear back as though listening for something. Favored Desimone just arrived. You quietly say, "I would not learn about her role in Farn's Company or the Zaulfung stones until after I joined the guild. To me she was just a monster, to be feared and avoided." Snow Herald Larasa just arrived. You ponder. You take in a great breath of air. You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. Selame takes a sip of her cider. You softly say, "More recently... and I know some here likely have firsthand knowledge of these events... Lyras." You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. Kethrai frowns. Levinas gives a slight nod. Miskton takes a sip of his ale. Alanarue ponders. Sothios nods to Zynell. Salvitoriel observes you with fascination. Crobin scratches one ear, looking bemused. You slowly say, "The Rakash and Prydaen, driven from their home. The Great Barrier that contained the threat for a time, its failure, and the ultimate battle, just a few years before my birth, that ended with the destruction of Lyras." Tirost grins at Etasia. Crobin's ears droop for a moment. You nod. Leayne rubs Crobin gently, massaging his muscles. Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Kethrai leans on Crobin. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. You sigh. (Crobin butts his head against Kethrai lightly) You smile. You say, "I grew up in a world reeling from this conflict. It did not directly affect me. I was able to grow up peacefully, attend university, and ultimately join the warrior mage guild in 438. But these events shaped my perceptions of sorcery and its practitioners." Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Morlokk tilts his head, clearly curious about something. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. Selame takes a sip of her cider. Sonatina leans on Eskila. You say, "Unbeknownst to me, events that had been set in motion 8 years before I joined would ultimately lead to the assault on Basalt Isle. An assault that I, and many of us here today, would participate in." Sonatina takes a sip of her Schnapps. Alanarue takes a bite of the pastry. Leayne nods. Zynell flicks her ears back in obvious annoyance. Iconn casually observes the area. Akeiro takes a bite of the chocolate. You nibble on your lip. You say, "An earlier fight against a demon, known as Maelshyve, in 430 had been wildly successful and resulted in its death, but not without cost. Necromancers were present at this battle and fought on both sides of the conflict. One of those who opposed the demon survived and, although badly wounded physically and mentally, was recovered by the Temple in the aftermath and nursed back to health." Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. You nod. Elurora tilts her head, clearly curious about something. Tirost gets a quiet, peaceful look on his face. Kethrai's ears droop for a moment. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. Imroth takes a sip of his Schnapps. Crobin lays his ears back in alarm, gazing around warily. You say, "This former necromancer took the name Zauldin, and contributed knowledge to the Temple that was ultimately used to construct a weapon that it was hoped would be sufficient to destroy the lich who resided on Basalt Isle." Sothios nods to Zynell. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Levinas takes a sip of his tequila. Nawain frowns. Jaelia takes a sip of her milkshake. Selame nods to Akeiro. You reluctantly say, "There were, of course, political motivations that went into this objective, but there was also the possibility that an ever-present threat could be eliminated before it turned into another Lyras." Sothios nods to Zynell. Sonatina takes a sip of her Schnapps. You gesture. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Zynell chortles softly at some secret joke. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. Akeiro takes a sip of his cider. Nawain makes a grunting noise. You say, "Years of preparation and planning went into this operation, and in 437 Zoluren pledged its aid along with other provinces." Crobin grumbles. You ask, "Remember how I said that I joined the guild in 438?" You grin. Selame nods at Akeiro, obviously agreeing with his views. Nawain grins at you. Selame takes a sip of her cider. Levinas nods. Etasia nods to you. Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Ahneya says, "No." Kethrai quietly says, "Excellent timing." Elurora just nudged Ahneya. You smile at Kethrai. Ahneya smiles at Elurora. You strongly say, "So there I was in 439, a newly minted warrior mage with barely a year under my belt, and the final call went out. Of course I joined, I had little experience with such foes but I knew the stakes. I had grown up hearing tales of what these beings were capable of if left unchecked, and undead forces had been harrying the mainland cities in the final months. I had fought them on the streets of the capital cities, and had taken their measure. How bad could it be? Look at the forces we had arrayed." You gaze off into the distance blankly. You strike a heroic pose. You wink. Nawain winces. Darkewolff smiles. You dismally say, "It was bad." Leayne nods. Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Miskton takes a sip of his ale. Coethi frowns. You sigh. Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. Etasia smiles at Miskton, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Grinning, Morlokk pulls a swig from a jug of Deep Darkness moonshine. You say, "The beach was awash in undead abominations. We secured an altar so that the favor of the immortals could be used to our advantage in the battle. A list of names and descriptions of known necromancers had been circulated at the final briefing, but I did not personally encounter any of them. Their minions were thick as flies though, and guarded the approach to barriers made of flesh and bone." (Betlind's gaze sweeps slowly and steadily over the attendants, otherwise motionless by the elf's side.) Sothios nods to Zynell. Sonatina takes a sip of her Schnapps. You nod to Zynell. Xionara takes a sip of her Schnapps. Alanarue takes a bite of the pastry. Tirost nods. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Ezerak quietly says, "I can still smell the beach that day." Zynell raises an eyebrow in your direction. You say, "I see Zynell in the crowd, who was instrumental that day." Sothios says, "I was there as well." Zynell says, "Begrudgingly." Leayne nods to you. Ezerak nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views. Levinas calmly says to Sothios, "Nobody saw you." You nod to Zynell. Aratasa chuckles. Crobin chuckles. You ponder. Sothios says, "They did when i stabbed em." You say, "We pressed the onslaught, and during our advance many of us were somehow abducted metaphysically; transported from the battlefield to unrecognizable, otherworldly locations. It is likely that the planar boundary had become thin enough during the battle that the patrons of these necromancers were able to directly influence events." Sothios winks at Leayne. Levinas begins chortling at Sothios. Etasia grins at Sothios, her dimples flashing into view. You gaze upward. Kethrai shudders. Leayne grins at Sothios, her dimples flashing into view. Darkewolff smiles at Sothios. Sothios says, "But i didnt fight fer "team good." Sothios shrugs. You distantly say, "I recall experiencing a sensation of extreme hunger, and then ash and cinders billowed around me and I found myself in a blasted wasteland." You frown. You quietly say, "This was my first direct encounter with the demonic." Nawain shudders. You blink. You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. Sothios nods to Zynell. Etasia raises an eyebrow in your direction. Levinas guzzles down some of his tequila and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at you. You say, "It seemed as if a firestorm had raged over this terrain. There seemed to be the charred remains of tree, but the ground was parched, cracked, sundered. There were remnants of civilization, an overturned wagon its wheels rusted away. I could hear thunder, but there was nothing in the sky, neither clouds nor stars." Aratasa coils his tail, looping it loosely around his waist. You say to Miskton, "When I was preparing for this talk... I was reminded of some recent vision..." Ezustrea chuckles. You frown. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation. You shake your head. Morlokk grins at Jaelia. You say, "Let it not be so." Ezustrea grins at Sothios. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Nawain frowns at you. Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. Alanarue leans on Salvitoriel. Desimone takes a sip of her milkshake. You say, "In this place I had been taken to there was a presence, diffuse and amorphous though it be I had the impression of a name. I shall not speak it, but I felt I was within this entity's domain." Salvitoriel grins at Alanarue. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. You say, "Everything here was ruin, destruction, death. I felt that this would be our fate if this entity was allowed to prevail." Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. Sothios smirks. Ezustrea stands up. Puppet Master Ezustrea glides out. Imroth takes a sip of his Schnapps. You say, "I ultimately managed to escape from that realm by refuting it, and focusing on nurturing the possibility of life. That was somehow anathema to the ruler of that place, and I found myself back on the battlefield." Selame leans over and scratches Akeiro's back. Selame takes a sip of her cider. Outfitting Legend Danoryiel strides out. Tirost takes a sip of his ale. Darkewolff smiles quietly to himself. You say, "We ultimately claimed much of the island, and the lich was obliged to face us directly. In so doing he called upon his allies, the demons, and created a tear in reality so that they could enter. Those of us who were there that day saw their nature and where they hail from." Miskton takes a sip of his ale. Tirost shifts his weight. Leayne shivers. You frown. Elurora gazes thoughtfully at you. A pained expression crosses Kethrai's face. You pat Kethrai on the back. Sothios nods to Zynell. Aratasa ponders. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Darkewolff leans on Etasia. Etasia dimples at Darkewolff. You firmly say, "Our ally Zauldin was lost to us, but our paladins were able to make use of the divine weapon we had brought, the Sanyu Aes, in order to repair the rend in reality and refute the lich, crushing him and driving him back to his sanctum. Although mighty, the blow was no sufficient to end him and we were obliged to withdraw as we could no longer prosecute the fight that day." Darkewolff smiles at Etasia. Aratasa nods to you. Betlind gives a slight nod. You bow to Betlind. Ezerak gives a slight nod. Sothios nods to Zynell. You bow to Eskila. You wearily say, "In the aftermath of that battle, many of us were left staggered, shocked by what we had seen. It took us weeks to get our bearings again, and return to some semblance of normalcy, but what we had seen on that day haunted some of us." Leayne nods to you. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. Kethrai gazes off into the distance. Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. You wryly say, "I resolved, at the time unknowning of the irony of this, to perform my own investigations of this Undying Threat, to determine the true nature of the foe and what could be done to prevent what I had seen glimpses of from ever coming to pass." You frown and shake your head in exasperation, resting your face in the palm of your hand. Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma just arrived. Zynell perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Gridaksma. Sothios smirks. Nawain gazes at you. Elurora gives Gridaksma a slight curtsy, barely more than a quick bob. Selame takes a sip of her cider. Imroth takes a sip of his Schnapps. Gridaksma whispers something to Elurora. Jaerk just left. You say, "Here I will pause to make a distinction about sorcery. I will define two practices: one is a spell caster manipulating a mana type that is not their native mana using a spell pattern that is designed for that mana type. This I will call low sorcery." Levinas nods. Gridaksma grins at Elurora. You say, "The second practice is a spell caster manipulating multiple types of mana, blending them, making use of a spell pattern that is designed for this combination of courses. This I will call high sorcery." Desimone takes a sip of her milkshake. Miskton takes a sip of his ale. You quietly say to Crobin, "Hang on, the finger waggling part will be over soon." You pat Crobin on the back. Crobin chuckles. Tirost chuckles. Selame waggles her fingers mystically at Crobin. How nice. You say, "As an example, making use of the runestones you may find or purchase from certain shops, if they are not of your native mana type, would be considered low sorcery, as the rune is helping you gather and channel these other energies." Leayne grins, revealing her dimples. Akeiro wraps his arms lovingly around Selame, snuggling close. You say, "As far as examples of the other, well... let us just say that necromancy is one." You frown. Crobin angles his ears forward in curiosity. Nawain squints. Alanarue nods. Zynell holds up her hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture. Ears tilted forward, Crobin curls his tail around Leayne's waist loosely. You say, "During the course of my investigations, I became aware of a gathering in Ilithi, a forum, supposedly to discuss morality and other esoteric matters, but the language used had certain implications and was fraught with meanings and subtexts that led me to believe necromancers would be in attendance." You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. Levinas guzzles down some of his tequila and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve. (Coethi tilts his head to one side.) Leayne dimples at Crobin. Tirost takes a sip of his ale. You say, "As I had had very few opportunities to interact with these practitioners outside of an antagonistic setting, and the invitation was broad, I decided to attend." Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Ezerak wrinkles his nose. You cough. You say, "Well, actually I sent a representative in my stead to the first one. And there was rather a large amount of antagonism on display there, as the location they had chosen was not amenable to their presence." You smirk. Elurora grins at you. Aratasa coils his tail, looping it loosely around his waist. Zynell rolls her eyes. Desimone takes a sip of her milkshake. Miskton takes a sip of his ale. You say, "Subsequently the gatherings were relocated and I attended in person. I hoped to gain some understanding of their views, aims, goals... I suspected they would be incompatible with my own, but I held out hope." Selame scoots over a little closer to Akeiro. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Akeiro clutches the wool blanket to his chest, refusing to let it go! You say, "I had considered these foes to be monolithic, united in their aims and methods, and I found them instead to be much like any group of people. Indeed, I discovered competing philosophies under the same umbrella." Nawain frowns. Elurora chortles softly at some secret joke. Sothios nods to Zynell. Tirost gazes at you. You ponder. Morlokk nods to you. Etasia leans on Darkewolff. You thoughtfully say, "Kethrai attended with me, and over the course of months we came to know these individuals better and I am struck by our ultimately differing reactions to them." You nod to Kethrai. Darkewolff smiles at Etasia. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Akeiro angles his ears forward in curiosity. Selame leans on Akeiro. Coethi glances at Kethrai. You sigh. You say, "After one particularly vivid gathering where we witnessed one of them beseeching, I have no better word for it, one of their patrons I felt I had seen enough. On the journey home Kethrai could tell something was bothering me and upon asking what it was I told him that I felt they must all be destroyed." Leayne takes a sip of her coffee. Akeiro takes a sip of his rum. Nawain nods in agreement. Nawain makes a grunting noise. Crobin ponders. You grimace. Akeiro rubs Selame gently, massaging her muscles. Eonon chuckles. Desimone blinks. You say, "But, his assessment was that there was still something there that could be helped." Morlokk tilts his head, clearly curious about something. Tirost glances at Kethrai. Zynell gazes at you. Elurora smiles at Kethrai. You say, "I attribute the difference to our two guilds. My training is to react to any threat with violence, his to react to any injury with compassion." A nervous tic starts up around Iconn's eye. You say, "But it did stop me and make me reconsider my stance." Leayne smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Akeiro takes a sip of his rum. Sothios nods to Zynell. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. Crobin nods. You carefully say, "In the time since I have come to the conclusion that necromancers are not the disease, but rather the symptom. So often they are the result of an individual who, in extremis, turns to the only thing that will allow them to continue existing. In doing so they turn against us, against society, but I feel that it is we who have failed them." Selame nibbles her lip thoughtfully. Aratasa squirms. Ezerak ponders. Leayne frowns. Jaelia nods. Tirost takes a sip of his ale. Ansara observes you with fascination. Imroth ponders. Etasia raises an eyebrow. You nod. Puppet Master Ezustrea just arrived. You say, "I am now aware that, around Zauldin's appearance some necromancers began to seek a path to return to the favor of the immortals. I have known, myself, of a handful of individuals who have recently gone down this path and rejoined us, and to me this is miraculous." Ezustrea takes a seat. Grinning, Morlokk pulls a swig from a jug of Deep Darkness moonshine. Alanarue peers quizzically at you. Elurora gives you a slight nod. Kethrai nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Sothios smirks. Jaelia gives you an amiable nod. You say, "But, I have also noticed a tolerance, an acceptance, espoused by some about the practice of sorcery, and necromancy, and I feel that is the true looming threat to us all." Zynell rubs Sothios's right hand. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. You frown. Nawain growls ferociously! Nawain nods. Jaelia nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Ezustrea looks at Sothios and shrugs. Betlind gives a slight nod. Leayne ponders. You say, "I know that many of us practice low sorcery, some so often that it is unremarkable to them. I know that some encourage newcomers to the guilds down this path when they are unequipped to deal with the consequences." Sothios nods to Ezustrea. Akeiro makes a rumbling noise of contentment in Selame's direction. Crobin chuckles. You shake your head. Aratasa nods to you. Desimone takes a sip of her milkshake. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. Selame smiles quietly to herself. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. You urgently say, "So I say that we must be vigilant, we must not tolerate those who defy the immortals, and we must guard against the casual acceptance of sorcery, but we must also temper our vigilance with compassion. Any who choose to return to the embrace of the immortals must be accepted by us, and though we resist most strenuously any plans or activities by our foes we must always have a hand extended to them that they may find their way back." Eskila pushes her spectacles up the bridge of her nose. Gridaksma gazes off into the distance. Betlind nods emphatically. Salvitoriel ponders. Akeiro pulls Selame to him in a tight hug. Elurora whispers something to Gridaksma. Akeiro takes a sip of his rum. Sothios ponders. Salvitoriel peers quizzically at you. Crobin ponders finger waggling You say, "I call upon the provincial governments to enact new public works projects to improve the lives of all, especially those most unfortunate among us, so that they not be disenfranchised and feel they have nowhere else to turn but to the darkness, and the void. For that is the true disease which necromancers are only a symptom of, the creation of a place where some have no home." Leayne gives Crobin a gentle poke in the ribs. Ezerak says, "I'll drink to that." Raising his Howling Coyote rum to you, Ezerak gives you a toast. Cheers! Alanarue nods to you. Selame trills softly at Akeiro. Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Jaelia gives you an emphatic nod. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. Gridaksma whispers something to Elurora. Iconn smirks. Raising his Black Fox coffee to you, Kethrai gives you a toast. Cheers! You clear your throat. Miskton takes a sip of his rum. You smile. Elurora flashes a quick grin at Gridaksma. Sothios says, "Im not sure what makes you think they want to come back, we under the eyes of the imortals are slaves to them, we require their favor, the necros are truely free." Sothios says, "They dont need acceptance." You grunt at Sothios. You say, "Thank you, everyone. Please join me by the fountain now for further discussion. Just outside and then to the south." You nod to Sothios. Gridaksma chortles softly at some secret joke. Eonon joins your group. Elurora looks at you and applauds! Mother Jaelia goes out. Kethrai takes his rightful place beside you. Tirost joins your group. Nawain joins your group. Salvitoriel ponders. Raising his Reserve ale to you, Tirost gives you a toast. Cheers! Ahneya goes out. Imroth joins your group. Lycette smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Elurora adds Gridaksma to her group. Alanarue joins your group. You nod to Tirost. Truthseeker Elurora goes out, leading her group. Lycette takes a sip of her milkshake. Levinas joins your group. Etasia stands up. Ezerak joins your group. (Betlind sharply pivots to face Anuril, giving him a deep bow.) Navesi joins your group. Tirost smiles at Etasia. Salvitoriel joins your group. You smile at Betlind. Lycette joins your group. You hug Betlind who gives you a smile in return. A faint scent of forge fires clings to her skin. Aratasa stands up. Miskton joins your group. Aratasa goes out. Fox Kit Ysindre goes out. Xihlamia slinks out. Ansara joins your group. Crobin ponders. Darkewolff stands up. Transcendent Empath Leayne glides out, leading her group. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. You go out, leading your group. [Asemath Academy, Northern Walkway] You stand on some sort of stone walkway. There are pleasantly scented flowers nearby and in the distance, you can hear a fountain splashing. Also here: Knight of Meraud Tirost, Black Fox Lycette who is orbited by twinkling starlit galaxies, Musical Enthusiast Ansara, Philomath Miskton, Heart Tender Kethrai, Newswoman Navesi, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Shield Maiden Betlind, Salvitoriel, Exile's Bane Eonon, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Vice-Speaker Levinas, Dreadnaught Imroth who is shrouded in a swirling dark green and purple miasma, Shadow's Touch Alanarue, Fearless Crobin, Transcendent Empath Leayne, Fox Kit Ysindre, Aratasa and Snugglebug Hugglebug. Obvious paths: north, northeast, south, northwest. Favored Desimone just arrived. Aratasa goes south. Fox Kit Ysindre goes south. Favored Desimone goes south. Imroth laughs! You go south, leading your group. [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. Also here: Shadow's Touch Alanarue, Dreadnaught Imroth who is shrouded in a swirling dark green and purple miasma, Vice-Speaker Levinas, Sfarns del Dzive Nawain, Exile's Bane Eonon, Salvitoriel, Shield Maiden Betlind, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Newswoman Navesi, Heart Tender Kethrai, Philomath Miskton, Musical Enthusiast Ansara, Black Fox Lycette who is orbited by twinkling starlit galaxies, Knight of Meraud Tirost, Favored Desimone, Fox Kit Ysindre, Xihlamia, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma, Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light and Ahneya. Obvious paths: north, east, south, west. You notice as a storm-grey cat with gold-flecked crystal blue eyes prances into the area. Transcendent Empath Leayne just arrived, leading her group. Jaelia grins at Gridaksma. Coethi just arrived. You nod. Zaydencus just arrived. You say, "Here we are." Iconn just arrived. Coethi joins your group. Tirost scratches his storm-grey cat. Iconn stumbles east. Fox Kit Ysindre goes east. Eonon chuckles at Nawain. The storm-grey cat sits down. Soul Surgeon Zynell just arrived, leading her group. Imroth takes a sip of his rum. Lycette pulls Levinas to her in a tight hug. The storm-grey cat purrs, "They would not allow me into the hall." Lycette totters off dragging an expensive looking rug behind her, rolled up haphazardly with a bizarre-looking bulge in the middle. Bridge Completionist Xadon just arrived. Tirost grins. Primal Lady Zalinyar just arrived. Ansara kisses Xadon. And she doesn't seem to want to stop. Black Fox Xionara just arrived, leading her group. Tirost says, "You missed a facinating talk." You ask Sothios, "You were saying about... the views of some that we are merely pawns of the immortals?" Xadon smirks. Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration. You nod to Zalinyar. Sothios says, "I was." Field Medic Darkewolff just arrived, leading his group. A storm-grey cat curls up and takes a nap. You notice as a black panther slinks into the area. Sothios asks, "You require favor correct?" Kethrai says, "That kind of objection might make sense when it comes to the Philosophers." Nawain cheerfully exclaims, "Nope!" Sothios says, "You require acceptance." Zynell says to Sothios, "Do not forget the immortals being petulant children." Zynell nods to Sothios. Imerald just arrived. Nawain says, "No one requires Favor to live." You say, "Require is a strong word but, I benefit from the favors I have received, yes." Etasia leans on Darkewolff. Kethrai says, "But, I've seen that the ones who go deeper into demon worship... simply trade one set of masters for another." Elurora slowly says to Sothios, "Maybe they don't feel the need to be accepted, but I don't see any issue with suggesting we try to solve things with a bit less violence and try to be understanding." Ahneya asks, "The immortals pick and choose, do they not, not all are allowed more life?" Gridaksma gets a weasel skeleton from inside his arm pouch. Gridaksma holds his weasel skeleton to his shoulder, and it clambers up silently to a perched position. You say to Ahneya, "Aye that is true, how they make their selection is... mysterious." Jaelia nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Xadon says, "I require nothing but myself, and my own will." Levinas calmly says, "Heralds." Xadon smiles. You give Xadon a slight nod. Jaelia waves to Xadon. Xadon says, "Hello Everyone." Kethrai says, "Agalea said as much and in as many words. Called herself a priestess of her patron, and said it wasn't much different from when she was a cleric." Ansara smirks at Xadon. Black Fox Sonatina just arrived. Xadon says, "Im Xadon, im the necromancer they are all warning you about." Elurora gives Kethrai a slight nod. Eonon laughs! Salvitoriel laughs! Elurora looks at Betlind, obviously trying not to grin. Elurora covers her mouth with her hand. Levinas calmly says, "Never heard of you." Elurora giggles. Gridaksma says to Xadon, "Seen better." Xadon smiles. Alanarue grins, revealing her dimples. Jaelia nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views. Xionara twitches an ear nervously. Xadon says, "So have i." Etasia smiles at Xadon, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Salvitoriel nods in agreement. Xionara lashes her tail. Xadon winks at Gridaksma. Crobin flicks one ear back as though listening for something. Meganlique pats Xionara on the back. Gridaksma slowly says, "Killed better." You say to Xadon, "But by refuting the immortals and practicing magics they abhor, you put yourself at odds with the rest of society." Nawain says to Xadon, "You're a Prydean. A necromantic Prydean." Nawain observes Xadon with fascination. Xadon says, "So have I." Xadon nods to Gridaksma. Xadon says, "I am." Kethrai quietly says to Nawain, "Not as uncommon as you'd think, or hope." Crobin nods to Kethrai. Xadon says, "An this wasnt the life i chose." Nawain says to Kethrai, "Still disgusting, every single time." Xionara lays her ears back and hisses angrily. Xadon says, "This is what i was made into." Black Fox Sonatina slinks north. Sfarns del Dzive Nawain rushes east. Etasia peers quizzically at Xadon. Leayne hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile. You ask Xadon, "Made into? What do you mean by that?" Sothios smiles. Xionara's ears droop for a moment. Long Sticka Morlokk just arrived. Xionara lays her ears back and hisses angrily. Crobin hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile. Xionara paces back and forth. Etasia nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Gridaksma says, "If you wish to stop necromancers from popping up, close the schools of magic." Etasia raises an eyebrow in Xadon's direction. You smile at Gridaksma. Zynell grins at Gridaksma. Gridaksma says, "Warrior, Moon and Clerical mages are the training grounds." Imroth ponders. Etasia frowns. Xadon says, "I mean my parents were killed when i was young." Zynell nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views. Etasia takes a sip of her coffee. Xadon says, "I was taken in." You say to Gridaksma, "In the times of the clans, long before the guilds, black fire was discovered which many believe to have been a high sorcery." (Crobin listens to the talk watching the group) Desimone takes a bite of the cheesecake. Gridaksma says to you, "I have never met a necromancer trained by any but those three guilds." You say to Gridaksma, "I do not think a lack of guild practitioners will end sorcery." Gridaksma says, "And I've met many of the great ones." Xionara softly says to Xadon, "You sure were." Xadon smiles at Xionara. You nod to Xadon. Zynell takes a sip of her Kiss. Xionara takes a sip of her Schnapps. You say to Xadon, "I see. I am sorry to hear that. It must have been difficult for you." Imroth takes a sip of his rum. Tirost says, "There are certainly necromancers who never entered those guilds." Etasia nods to Tirost. Gridaksma asks Tirost, "Any of much value?" Xadon says, "We arent as bad as some of you think But you havent taken the time to get to know us." You nod to Xadon. Gridaksma asks, "Or are they the children playing with tinders?" Xadon says, "Of course there are the bad apples." Grey Empath Akeiro just arrived, leading his group. Tirost asks, "Most certainly. Do you know of Osven?" Puppet Master Ezustrea just arrived. Xadon says, "Just like in any other guild." Morlokk nods at Xadon, obviously agreeing with his views. Akeiro stands near Selame. Gridaksma snickers. Akeiro leans on Selame. Ansara rubs Xadon's back. Desimone says, "You're basically just really good at recyling. Rather commendable really." Kethrai says, "I don't know that I've ever heard of Sidhlot having belonged to a guild." Desimone smiles at Xadon. Xadon says, "Your "halipa" as you call him." Eonon grins at Desimone. Miskton takes a sip of his rum. Morlokk laughs at Desimone. Xadon says, "He has a very colorful past." You dryly say to Xadon, "So I've heard." Jaelia says, "Gridaskma is right. The Immortals are very firm that Necromancy is their issue, not sorcery. Unless it is Sorcery that verges on that area. And even it seems it is the Heralds who care a lot more about the Sorcery that could rip at the fabrics of the world. I am sorry some of you experienced the demon lords they enslave themselves - and that is Important. But beyond those rare big events, it is the Community and our world as it is now that matters most. And the changes that are to be made are by Us - not the Rulers. And some of us have been at the end of the Inquistion without having Anything to do with Necrmoancy. The inqusition lends itself to sympathy for what is problematic." Xadon says, "He was once not welcome in the town which he now calls home." Xadon says, "There are bad people in all guilds." Elurora nods at Xadon, obviously agreeing with his views. Etasia says, "He is a brilliant mage, if i might say." Xionara nods. You say to Xadon, "But he has reformed himself." Xadon says, "He is." Alanarue takes a bite of the pastry. Xadon nods. Etasia nods at Xadon, obviously agreeing with his views. Xadon says, "But you judge a whole in the acts of a few." Desimone takes a bite of the cheesecake. You say to Xadon, "Anyone can return to the path..." Xadon nods to you. Gridaksma asks Tirost, "Do you truly know Osven's past?" Xadon asks, "Why would i want to return to an immortal when i live truely free?" Zalinyar leans on Leayne. Ahneya says to Jaelia, "Would you like to be a bard, I have never seen so many words spoken in one breath." Crobin says, "Many are judged by the ways of a few." Kethrai says, "There are bad people in all guilds. Not all guilds wield magic that by its nature -- not as a side effect, its nature -- perverts the energy of life and weakens the bounds of our plane. Nor regularly truck with those demons that live outside it and wish to see it split open and feast on its entrails." Crobin says, "I hate to say it." Ahneya smiles at Jaelia. Elurora whispers something to Ahneya. Etasia appears to be trying hard not to grin. Xadon nods to Crobin. Crobin says, "But many who see someone doing a bad thing, and are a part of a group." Crobin says, "Makes for a whole group to get a bad name." Primal Hotshot Kaeylie just arrived. Kaeylie joins Eonon's group. You notice as a spotted leopard slinks into the area. Crobin says, "Something that needs to be worked on in my eyes." Tirost says, "He was not my intimate friend, but I have seen the visions of the knot, and spoken with those who knew him." Eonon smiles at Kaeylie. Jaelia says to Ahneya, "I am not nearly pretty or talented enough to to be a bard." Eonon catches Kaeylie up in a fierce embrace, swinging her around exuberantly. Kaeylie smiles at Eonon. Xadon says, "All I ask is , before you judge... get to know what you are judging." Xadon nods. Levinas calmly says, "Unfortunately, the nature of social beings." Xadon says, "Im free to speak any time." Zynell asks, "Have we made mention that not all follow the demonic or redemption paths? what does the tempered compassion ethics say of those?" Kaeylie wraps her arm around Eonon's shoulder in a friendly hug. Leayne blinks at Crobin. Xadon says, "And we aren't all monsters." Gridaksma chuckles at Tirost. Zynell angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at you. Akeiro leans over and scratches Selame's back. Ahneya says to Jaelia, "You think to highly of them." Gridaksma waves his hand distractedly. Crobin angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Leayne. Xionara softly says, "That is a possibility." You say to Xadon, "What Kethrai says is true... your magic is inherently more dangerous to the world." Xadon says, "Cant say one person in the room has been harmed by me." Xadon says, "Helped maybe." Xadon nods. Gridaksma asks you, "Than what?" Xionara glances at Xadon. Selame trills softly at Akeiro. You say to Gridaksma, "Than the recognized guilds' magics." Imroth nods to Gridaksma. Kaeylie snickers. Kaeylie pets her spotted leopard. Gridaksma says, "Warrior Mages are as big of a threat to our existance." Xadon says, "Thats all i have to say, thanks for listening." Alanarue says, "I feel we judge many too harshly. It seems that we should make our decisions upon the individuals and not the whole. That is my take." You decline Xadon's offer to shake hands. Crobin ponders. Etasia sighs. Levinas bows. Jaelia nods to Alanarue. Elurora nods to Alanarue. Eonon grins at Kaeylie. Eonon snuggles up to Kaeylie. Xadon nods to Alanarue. Kaeylie snuggles up to Eonon. You say to Zynell, "I am aware of those who do not follow demons but do not seek redemption from the immortals, yes. I feel that they are still a danger to society and hope they will return to the immortals." Crobin nods to Alanarue. You nod to Xadon. Eonon grins at Kaeylie. Crobin says, "I have seen many people grow in the ways of what many call." Crobin says, "Dark Magic." Crobin says, "Or Necromancy." Akeiro casually observes the area. Akeiro clears his throat. You observe Crobin with fascination. Crobin says, "One of my youngest friends took to that direction." Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Crobin. Crobin says, "He took it for a different reason then most." Xadon says, "I feel a warmage is just as much of a danger , with your holes in the magical plaines and such." Xadon nods to you. Crobin says, "He was sick...and the Immortals were not able to help him." Crobin says, "The empaths were unable to cure his body." Crobin says, "So he found a way." Jaelia says, "I think perhaps we expect a bit too much of our leadership. Community and helping and serving and assisting and even general kindness and understand - you don't even have to change. But it is your actions that matter. I like having less active formal Leaders. When they are more active - I did not like when the High Temple became a political position that ruled most of the Provinces and I'm a cleric." Levinas calmly says, "I agree about warmages, but Im a biased moon mage." Etasia ponders thoughtfully Kaeylie snorts, loudly. Tirost says to Xadon, "The gods seem to feel differently." Crobin says, "A way to keep himself living to try and find a cure through the dark arts." Selame squirms. Morlokk shakes his head as if clearing it. Crobin says, "I never judged him for the way he went about it." Etasia says to Xadon, "It took more than just the war mages to create that hole." Ears tilted forward, Selame curls her tail around Akeiro's waist loosely. Xadon says, "Your gods, not the gods." You say to Xadon, "The elemental planes are much closer to us than the Void, and elemental energies strengthen the boundaries of the planes as can be observed in the Zaulfun stones and the Zengmodaleth." Crobin says, "Never did he kill another person." Imroth nods to Crobin. Eonon grins. Ezerak says, "Whatabout, whatabout, whatabout. The whataboutisms are tiresome. I've known no Warrior Mages, save Lyras, that have consorted with demons." Xadon says, "Your gods dont accept what dosent bow to them." Xadon nods to Tirost. Crobin says, "But he learned from the creatures he hunted, learned the ways of the body." Kethrai nods to you. Xadon says, "I bow to no one." Xadon nods to Tirost. Imroth laughs at Ezerak. Crobin nods to Xadon. Imroth exclaims, "That was one time!" Gridaksma says to Ezerak, "They open and stabilize planes we should not be contacting." Ansara squints at Xadon. Eonon says, "Book was a war mage as I understand it." Crobin says, "Many do not bow to people." Eonon whistles a merry tune. Xadon says, "Besides you Love." Crobin says, "I was brought up a slave." Gridaksma says, "Perhaps we haven't named their entities demons yet." Xadon kisses Ansara. And he doesn't seem to want to stop. Crobin says, "A house pet." Crobin says, "I for one." Ansara nods to Xadon. Xadon grins. Ansara kisses Xadon. And she doesn't seem to want to stop. Ezerak says to Gridaksma, "But not the one that contains entities that seek to actively destroy us." Crobin says, "Will never bow to another man." Kethrai says to Eonon, "And a Philosopher of the Knife." Leayne rubs Crobin gently, massaging his muscles. Eonon nods to Kethrai. Darkewolff chortles softly at some secret joke. Desimone takes a sip of her milkshake. Xadon says, "My wife, and an amazing Bardess." Xadon gestures at Ansara. Kethrai says, "So, one of those that, at least by their own principles, doesn't consort with demons." Gridaksma says to Ezerak, "Apparently you missed the memo on how wrong that realm is for our types." Ansara gives an awkward curtsy, nearly falling over! Ezerak looks at Gridaksma and shrugs. Xadon says, "She took the time to get to know a necro." Xadon nods. Morlokk slowly asks, "I know im a tog of lowly imoport, but this seems to be far more an issue of religion and what the immortals approve than high low or middle sorcery. with that i ask you this, would you rather a necromancer who deems all the gods immoral and hypocrite, or a thief devoted to damaris??" You ponder. Ezerak asks Gridaksma, "I saw into the Plane of Exile, did you?" Morlokk slowly says, "Or even a paladin devoted to harawep." Morlokk gets an aurulent wildling spider icon lambent with moonsilver from inside his war belt. Gridaksma chuckles at Ezerak. Morlokk just kissed an aurulent wildling spider icon lambent with moonsilver! (Crobin stands behind Leayne still listening to the group) Betlind grins at Morlokk, her dimples flashing into view. Gridaksma says to Ezerak, "More than once." Eonon says, "I think that's apples and oranges for a comparison." Etasia leans on Darkewolff. Leayne smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. (Crobin wraps his arms around Leayne's shoulders holding her to him) Darkewolff smiles at Etasia. Ezerak says, "I've also seen into the Plane of Electricity. And the Plane of Aether. Certainly not the same." Sothios smirks. Desimone takes a bite of the cheesecake. Gridaksma says to Ezerak, "You understand so very little and call it safe." Sothios says, "Im a thief devoted to Damaris." Sothios leans on Morlokk. Desimone says, "That's a good point. Asketi regularly murders us." Zynell says to Morlokk, "My shadow are wonderful." You gaze thoughtfully at Morlokk. Levinas calmly says to Sothios, "Damaris never saw you." Sothios asks, "You were saying?" Kaeylie says, "I'd rather be kissed with the truth, then fed lies. At least a Necromancer, while to some may be vile. They hide not who or what they are for the convience of themseleves, no rather they do so for those mortals who choose to not understand." Desimone says, "Who is the monster, then." Kaeylie shrugs. Sothios nods to Levinas. Selame leans to her left slightly. Sothios grins. Morlokk slowly says, "As im a paladin devoted to harapwep." Ezerak says to Gridaksma, "I am not saying it is safe, necessarily. Just not the same." Alanarue stretches her arms. Miskton says, "We'd all die in fairly short order if our plane didn't have some contact with the Elemental Planes. Lack of contact with the Spiritual Plane and Plane of Probability probably wouldn't be quite so immediately life threatening, but probably have their own complications." Gridaksma says to Ezerak, "And each demon as they are named are not the same either." Akeiro slowly empties his lungs. Levinas nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views. Gridaksma says, "For that matter neither are the gods." You say to Morlokk, "I would prefer the thief as they are not engaging in magics which have been shown to be extremely dangerous to all of society..." Etasia smiles at Miskton, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Coethi goes west. You nod to Miskton. Ezerak says to Gridaksma, "It matters little. I've seen more than enough of the denizens of the Plane of Exile." Kaeylie says, "All magics are inherintely dangerous, be it arcane, elemental or moon." Kaeylie shrugs. Xadon asks, "Like your fire rain?" You nod at Ezerak, in complete agreement with his views. Selame tries to grab Akeiro's arm, but misses by a mile. Xadon asks, "Your chain lightning?" Desimone takes a bite of the cheesecake. Levinas calmly says, "We can go spell for spell, each guild their own." Crobin says, "I find finger waggling...interesting and terrifying at the same time." Akeiro leans on Selame. Tirost grins at Crobin. Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view. Selame grabs Akeiro's hand and whimpers softly. Kaeylie grins at Crobin. Levinas calmly says, "Its trivial." Miskton says, "Which is not to say that opening stronger connections haphazardly is a wise idea, of course. A campfire and a forest fire are not equally as useful." Crobin winks at Tirost. Tirost says to Crobin, "Fair assessment, my friend." Xadon nods to Levinas. Morlokk slowly says, "A thief using a khri to assasinate a politicians daughter to instill fear or blackmail is not of concern to society." Crobin nods to Tirost. Crobin says, "I mean really." You say to Kaeylie, "But not in the same way. Comparing high sorceries to guild magics is a false equivalence." Crobin says, "You can hurl a bolt of ligntning from out of no where." Zalinyar quietly says to Crobin, "I felt that way about knitting when I tried it that one time." Crobin says, "Or the Moon Mages who can travel across the planes in a matter of moments." Ezerak nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views. Etasia laughs at Zalinyar. Eonon gently kisses Kaeylie on the cheek. Levinas calmly says, "Moments... sometimes longer though." Etasia grins at Zalinyar, her dimples flashing into view. Selame slowly empties her lungs. Jaelia gestures. Zalinyar winks at Etasia. Kethrai asks Xadon, "I'm curious. You say you bow to no one, that includes demons?" Eonon grins. Akeiro takes a seat near Selame. Xadon says, "Magic is just that, magic. Used in the wrong hands its dangerous." Etasia appears to be trying hard not to grin. Eonon catches Kaeylie up in a fierce embrace, swinging her around exuberantly. Selame takes a seat near Akeiro. Kaeylie says, "To whom, though, even the Immortals give lenicency to those whom we call Necromancers. Given freely a path to Redemtion, ,yet again and again they are harrassed, bullied and decried as foul." Crobin nods to Xadon. Morlokk slowly says, "Are we comparing magics or the requirement of society to bend to the immortals? Because that seems the discussion just being made inside." Eonon grins. Exile's Bane Eonon drifts east. Crobin chuckles. Salvitoriel says to you, "Well as entertaining as running in circles can be it's also rather tireing so I'm off to the cemetary to spar. It was a informative and thought provoking lecture thank you for putting it on." Levinas calmly says, "Initially the latter but now the former." Alanarue says, "My perspective may be in the minority here, but when it comes to sorcery.... I feel knowledge is power. If I am able to understand and dissect a 'sorcerous' spell or event, I can better prepare in defending against or protecting others from that particular brand of magic. I don't mind engaging in the practice so long as the examination is learning for the sake of the betterment of the community." You say to Kaeylie, "Those whom the immortals have granted their favor should be accepted by all of us." Akeiro wraps his arms lovingly around Selame, snuggling close. You nod to Salvitoriel. Etasia waves to Salvitoriel. You extend your bared palms to Salvitoriel in wordless greeting. Salvitoriel places his palms over yours, completing the ritual. Salvitoriel waves. Selame leans over and scratches Akeiro's back. Ahneya goes south. Salvitoriel strides east. Alanarue nods. Kaeylie says, "Yet not all are, I have witnessed it myself." Kaeylie shrugs. You nod to Kaeylie. Levinas nods to Alanarue. Akeiro slowly empties his lungs. Ezerak takes a sip of his rum. Miskton says to you, "I would put some additional caveats there, but they aren't specific to necromancers." Imroth says, "The path to power and knowledge has corrupted many." You smile at Miskton. Selame squirms. Kaeylie says, "Tis the way of mortals, we choose to label that which we don't understand." Levinas nods in agreement. Crobin nods to Kaeylie. Leayne leans on Crobin. Crobin leans on Leayne. Leayne nods to Crobin. You say to Miskton, "Yes, I was speaking in the context of necromancers and our society..." Kethrai says to Alanarue, "You and I are in a strange position when it comes to sorcery, though." Akeiro takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Zalinyar says to Kaeylie, "And Judge." Levinas calmly says, "Fear of the unknown is irrational, yet, here we are nonetheless." Akeiro wraps his arms lovingly around Selame, snuggling close. Zalinyar rolls her eyes. Kaeylie says, "One need not agree with one's choice of guild, yet they are given by the immortals the right to make that choice." Crobin says, "To be fair." Kethrai says, "We have access to low sorcery, using other mana types for their own native spells. But there isn't an equivalent kind of high sorcery for us to practice." Crobin says, "Where you are raised can also show you a different way to look into magics." Ezerak nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views. Kaeylie says, "Who are we to question the will of the Immortals, the path the necromancer walks is that, theirs. And the Immortals have set them on it perhaps with divine intentions." Akeiro offers Selame a burning scarlet cigarillo. Selame kisses Akeiro on the nose. You say to Alanarue, "You raise an interesting point, the Academy here will train you in all sorts of methods that will give you a better understanding of sorcery." Selame accepts Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo. Kethrai says, "Those are often the... stronger, riskier, more dangerous ones." Jaelia says, "I appreciate Anuril opening the conversation to start. This is a long conversation and - many perspective and I'm glad to hear them all being discussed instead of us just hiding it under a rug. Things are very nuanced and multi-faceted." Selame takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Xadon says, "We dont have high sorcery either." You bow to Jaelia. Xadon says, "We have our native spells." Levinas nods in agreement. Xadon nods to Crobin. Gridaksma says, "It would be one thing to trust the immortals, but their mortal agents carry out their actions, and certainly don't have the best history of being right." Levinas calmly says, "Much nuance." Levinas nods to Jaelia. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Ezerak says to Xadon, "What you...do...is by definition High Sorcery." Kethrai says to Xadon, "Every spell you practice is high sorcery." Tirost guzzles down some of his ale and then smacks his lips and wipes them with his sleeve. Zynell says, "No it is not." Kethrai says, "You just... can't see the differences between the mana types, any more." You ponder. Selame offers Akeiro a burning scarlet cigarillo. Desimone asks, "That gathering you went to Anuril, is that a regular gathering? Or could it be?" Xadon says, "It isnt." Akeiro accepts Selame's scarlet cigarillo. Zynell says, "Only certain ones are truly high sorcery." Xadon nods to Ezustrea. Xadon nods to Ezerak. You say to Desimone, "Sadly the one who organized it left on a journey that I am not sure they will return from." Zynell says, "And most are otherwise low necromancy or low sorcery." Desimone says, "Fostering communication, et cetera." Desimone says, "Oh." (Crobin starts to waggle his fingers but almost gets them tied in a knot) Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view. Tempest Knight Saragos just arrived. Kaeylie snickers at Crobin. Zalinyar grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view. You say to Desimone, "That does not mean someone else won't pick up the torch, as it were." Leayne waggles her fingers mystically at Crobin. How nice. Elurora quietly says, "I think I need a chart to keep track of all the magic terms." Elurora gazes up at the sky. Tirost smiles at Saragos. You nod to Saragos. Tirost bows. Ezerak says to Xadon, "I've studied enough Arcana and Magical Theory. What you do is blending multiple mana types together. It is the definition of High Sorcery." Xihlamia wryly says, "I need a tome of charts." Tirost asks Saragos, "Fashionably late?" Crobin leans on Tirost. Ezerak shakes Saragos's hand. Alanarue says, "And..... if one truly thinks about it... if the Immortals did not intend for us to learn some patterns of magic from others, then it would not be possible at all, regardless of runes, scrolls and other magical imbuements." Crobin nibbles on Leayne playfully. Elurora grins at Xihlamia. Xadon asks, "You seem to be an expert, which of my spells do you think is high sorcery?" Tirost grins at Crobin. Xadon peers quizzically at Ezerak. Saragos says to Tirost, "Something like that. I came as soon as my commitments would allow." Saragos grins crookedly. Tirost smiles. Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Ezerak says to Xadon, "Any of them that blend multiple mana types." Tirost nods to Saragos. You ask Alanarue, "They are powerful but not, I think, omnipotent?" Morlokk slowly says, "Its no secret i have a brother i love dearly, he chose a different path than i. for our fate dealt us, he has devoted his life to harming the immortals in any way he knows how, while helping any person in any way he can. i have chosen to appease the two gods i find most terrifying and useful, harawep and eylhaar. he is struck down by the gods hands quite often and jailed in the same cities he protects during invasion. I am welcomed in every city and have walked and supped with the baron himself. I would argue were fighting and killing each other over immortals who dont care for us. Only a mood change or bad mood seperates asketi from hodierna yet we act like theres 39 immortals not 13." Xadon says, "I use arkane mana." Crobin laughs at Jaelia. Xadon asks, "Have you used a wand?" Alanarue says, "Then that means they allow for us to make our own mind up." Xadon peers quizzically at Ezerak. Lazy curls of smoke drift off of Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo. Zynell says, "Most of the necromantic spells blend two mana types. which is the definition of low sorcery." You gaze thoughtfully at Morlokk. Xadon nods to Zynell. Kaeylie says, "Here's what I know, lives are meant to be lives and all should live it to the best of thier ability to please thier chosen immortal, or not if that be the case. The magics one chooses to follow, or path if you will were placed here with intention. Perhapsp by human hands, perhaps by Divine." Elurora rubs her nose. Etasia smiles at Morlokk, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Gridaksma nods to Elurora. Kethrai says, "There's a bit of a terminology issue too, that some sources use low sorcery to refer to cross-mana use like when adventurers use spells from a different mana type, and high sorcery to mean mixtures of mana types." Zynell says, "Some of the more intricate ones are high sorcery." Kethrai says, "Some sources use low sorcery to mean mixing two or fewer mana types, and high sorcery to mean mixing three." Zynell says, "But by definition not all necromancy falls under high sorcery." Ezerak says to Xadon, "Ah, more whataboutisms. Wands are self-activating magical devices, and require no mana input from the user." Kaeylie says, "Perhaps." Kaeylie coughs. Gridaksma whispers something to Elurora. Lazy curls of smoke drift off of Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo. You wince. Xadon says, "My point." Xadon nods to Ezerak. Tirost says to you, "I must take my leave. Thank you for speaking on this, Anuril. It was facinating." You say to Kethrai, "Perhaps I should have chosen different terms." Akeiro hums happily to himself. Xadon says, "You dont even use mana." You nod to Tirost. Coethi just arrived. Xadon says, "But can with devices." Xadon nods. Etasia smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Etasia waves to Tirost. Saragos nods to Zynell. Tirost says to Navesi, "Thanks for teaching. It's been good to see you." Tirost waves to Etasia. Zynell nods. Ezerak says to Xadon, "On the contrary, I use mana frequently." Navesi nods to Tirost. Xionara's ears perk up happily. Selame gazes thoughtfully at Akeiro. Tirost says to Etasia, "Till our next adventure." Xadon smiles. Etasia grins at Tirost, her dimples flashing into view. Tirost smiles at Betlind. Betlind hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Betlind with a warm smile. Etasia says, "Indeed." Saragos quickly salutes Tirost by bringing two fingers to his brow. Tirost hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return. Elurora looks at Gridaksma and shrugs. Primal Hotshot Kaeylie patters east. Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Xionara waves to Tirost. Xadon says, "Of course you do." A light haze of smoke wafts off Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo. Xadon smiles. Tirost waves to Xionara. Tirost says to Xionara, "I will see you around, I hope." Zynell says to you, "Would have been wise to use other terms if you had not intended to misslabel a whole guild." You say to Xadon, "I would have to say that from what I know... which isn't much, at least some of your spells are what I called in my talk: high sorcery." Tirost says to Kethrai, "Take care, Kethrai." Kethrai bows to Tirost. Crobin waves to Kethrai. Tirost waves. Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile. You say to Zynell, "I defined my terms so... At least I was clear on what -I- meant." Knight of Meraud Tirost drifts east. Xadon says, "Any time you like." Alanarue says, "One moment." Xadon nods to you. Leayne hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile. Alanarue points east. Shadow's Touch Alanarue sashays east. Xadon says, "We can speak and i can demonstrate." Xadon nods. You give Xadon a slight nod. Zynell says, "That is not usually what people take away when terms are otherwise used." You say to Xadon, "Thank you for the offer, I will consider it." Selame wraps her arms lovingly around Akeiro, snuggling close. Xadon says, "No danger to you or anyone else of course." Xadon nods to you. You give a slight nod. Crobin laughs at Jaelia. Akeiro takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Imroth says, "Well, thank you for the discussion. It is a strange topic." Akeiro offers Selame a burning scarlet cigarillo. Ansara says to Navesi, "I'd like to introduce to you my husband, finisher of the Theren Bridge, and renoun necromancer." You smile at Imroth. Selame accepts Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo. Ansara gestures at Xadon. Imroth snaps to attention and hails you with a crisp hand salute. Navesi raises an eyebrow. Gridaksma just edged a little closer to the Void! Xadon smiles at Navesi. You say to Imroth, "Thank you for listening." Xionara twitches an ear nervously. Xadon bows to Navesi. Navesi says, "Mm. I see." Selame kisses Akeiro on the nose. Xadon says, "A pleasure Ma'am." Ansara says to Navesi, "Who everyone interviewed in your article knew about but refused to speak about or to." Lazy curls of smoke drift off of Selame's scarlet cigarillo. A pained expression crosses Saragos's face. Xionara softly says, "That's curious." Selame takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Navesi says, "I'd have to check my notes to see if a name was mentioned, but not that I recall." Levinas signals his departure with a courteous bow, and then is simply gone -- in what direction, or by what means, you cannot say for sure. Zalinyar asks Crobin, "Can I drink yet?" Morlokk flails his arms about. Zalinyar peers quizzically at Crobin. Saragos asks Xadon, "What's your particular bent?" Elurora quietly says, "I need to read this article." Elurora jots down some notes. Saragos gazes at Xadon. Crobin nods to Zalinyar. Etasia grins at Zalinyar, her dimples flashing into view. Crobin says, "Of course." Xadon shakes Saragos's hand. Zalinyar takes a sip of her rum. Xionara nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views. Xadon says, "Xadon." Leayne peers quizzically at Crobin. Darkewolff takes a sip of his coffee. Xadon says, "A pleasure." Zalinyar says to Crobin, "Thank Damaris." Navesi says to Elurora, "It's available with the imps at present." Crobin snuggles up to Leayne. Ansara says to Navesi, "It is also documented in the logs that were placed in the librarys." Dreadnaught Imroth goes east. Zalinyar takes a sip of her rum. Elurora nods to Navesi. Crobin chuckles. Elurora smiles at Navesi. Crobin exhales softly on his sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface. Kethrai asks Xadon, "So, sorry, if I may ask again. You'd said you bow to no one, which I guess to include demons. This isn't just a matter of... terminology too, yeah? You don't... Exalt, follow, revere them, either?" Miskton takes a sip of his rum. Navesi nods. Morlokk smiles at Ansara. Xadon says, "I dont bow to demons either." Morlokk smiles at Xadon. Xadon nods to Kethrai. Selame gazes at her cigarillo. Navesi wryly asks Xadon, "Any particularly nefarious titles I should ascribe to you, Necromancer?" Xadon says, "I answer to myself." Xadon says, "And my wife." Xadon grins at Ansara. Kethrai says, "Interesting. I apologize for thinking otherwise of you, then." Ansara says to Navesi, "Bridge Completionist Xadon." Gridaksma says, "Good save." Crobin nods to Leayne. Xadon says, "Im not nefarious." Selame quietly says to Xadon, "Good follow through." Xadon looks at Navesi and shrugs. Jaelia asks, "Autonomous Arcanist, perhaps?" Saragos asks, "By 'what's your bent', I mean, do you consider yourself a Philosopher, or are openly doing the bidding of Demons?" Elurora looks at Betlind, obviously trying not to grin. Selame nods at Akeiro, obviously agreeing with his views. Leayne nods to Crobin. Selame fans herself. (Coethi shifts uncomfortably and continues to watch the goings on in silence.) Selame takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Betlind grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view. Navesi nods to Ansara. Xadon nods to Gridaksma. Selame offers Akeiro a burning scarlet cigarillo. Akeiro accepts Selame's scarlet cigarillo. Xadon says, "Smart." Akeiro takes a long drag off of a burning scarlet cigarillo. Navesi stiffly says, "Noted." Xadon taps his head. Xionara paces back and forth. Kethrai says to Xadon, "I'd heard it said once that you were an apprentice of Nefis, who himself was a follower of the Manifold." Xadon says, "Was." You observe Xadon with fascination. Ezustrea just left. Xadon says, "We have parted ways." Miskton takes a sip of his rum. Xionara softly says, "Nefis..." Ansara says to Navesi, "And we are open to interviews and available for comment." Xadon says, "My path was not his." Kethrai nods to Xadon. Xadon nods. Navesi says, "Feel free to give your comment now." Xionara paces back and forth. Kethrai says, "I'm frankly glad to hear it." Jaelia smiles warmly towards Coethi and makes a small gesture towards the food and drink on the picnic cloth, then a nod of acknowledgement. Gridaksma whispers something to Elurora. Xadon nods to Kethrai. Ansara says, "Nefis was good with his words." Akeiro's scarlet cigarillo goes out and crumbles away. Jaelia offers Coethi a glass of mocha milkshake. Xadon says, "And his work." You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views. Navesi asks Ansara, "Are you, too, a Necromancer?" Jaelia offers Coethi a slice of pecan fudge brownies. Selame rubs Akeiro gently, massaging his muscles. Xadon says, "But it wasnt for me." Akeiro says, "I fought him a few times." Ansara says, "Learned a lot of prose, not so much of the rhyming though." Navesi gets a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside her canvas rucksack. Navesi gets a pristine goose feather quill from inside her black coat. Coethi accepts Jaelia's pecan fudge brownies. Navesi gently flattens her open volume. Miskton nods politely. Ansara says to Navesi, "Working on being a Bardess." Miskton gestures. A blinding flash of light explodes into existence! As it fades, you notice that Miskton is gone. Leayne nods to Crobin. Ansara says to Navesi, "I have a concert upcoming." Morlokk shakes his head at Desimone. Navesi gazes silently at Ansara. Selame lets out a hearty cheer for Ansara! Zalinyar grins at Ansara, her dimples flashing into view. Akeiro touches Ansara on the wrist with two fingers. Desimone nods to Morlokk. Ansara says, "It'll be my second one." Xadon smirks. You look around, trying to appear nonchalant. [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 a bright yellow plaid cloth with several things on it and a black panther that is sitting. Also here: Coethi, Tempest Knight Saragos who has a fiery visage, Blood Dancer Selame who is sitting, Grey Empath Akeiro who is sitting, Long Sticka Morlokk, Imerald, War Wizard Etasia, Field Medic Darkewolff, Warder Meganlique, Black Fox Xionara, Primal Lady Zalinyar, Bridge Completionist Xadon whose form is orbited by an array of unblinking sanguine eyes, Shadow Mage Telamont who is wreathed in Katamba-black shadows, Sothios who is engulfed by a tsunami of cerulean light, Soul Surgeon Zynell who is crowned by a ring of glimmering stars, Zaydencus, Fearless Crobin, Transcendent Empath Leayne, Shield Maiden Betlind, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Newswoman Navesi, Heart Tender Kethrai, Musical Enthusiast Ansara, Favored Desimone, Xihlamia, Mother Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Lord of Elamiri Gridaksma and Truthseeker Elurora whose figure is gracefully highlighted in a soft aurora of silvery-violet light. Obvious paths: north, east, south, west. Elurora flashes a quick grin at Gridaksma. Ansara curtsies awkwardly to Akeiro, trying to keep her balance. Akeiro nods to Ansara. You softly say, "I wonder if that drink table is still in the hall..." Gridaksma whispers something to Elurora. Kethrai says to Ansara, "I'd heard you described as Nefis' apprentice too, actually, at the time. But also parted ways." Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Ansara. Elurora giggles at Gridaksma. Coethi says to Jaelia, "Thank you." Navesi says to Ansara, "Well if either of you have a comment, now is the time." Gridaksma grins at Elurora. Jaelia says to Coethi, "It is nice to see you here. Thank you for coming out." Ansara says to Kethrai, "You ever hear the man speak, good for working on public speaking and performing." Jaelia smiles at Coethi. Xadon says, "What would you like a comment about." Xadon smiles at Navesi. Ozursus walks quietly into the area. Kethrai says, "I have, and I agree. Remarkably persuasive fellow." Etasia pets her black panther. Elurora gets a goblet of strawberry wine from inside her square lunchbox. You accept Elurora's offer and are now holding a goblet of strawberry wine. Gridaksma says to Navesi, "The time is always now, part of how time works." Elurora flashes a quick grin at you. You say to Elurora, "Bless you." Ansara says to Xadon, "Your bridge was what had me looking for her, you were not mentioned in the article." Betlind flashes a wide grin. You take a sip of the wine. Ansara nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Xadon says, "Necro's not as bad as ya think... Just ask Xadon." Elurora quietly says to you, "Probably not your preferred, but it's all I had." Xadon nods to Navesi. You grin at Elurora. Xionara flicks her ears back in obvious annoyance. Coethi says to Jaelia, "Thank you. It's quite a lot of people here." Zynell leans back against Sothios with a loving smile. Navesi says, "I don't need one, but if you wish to supply one about the bridge, it will be noted. Though I never guarantee it will go into the paper. That depends on space and other editing factors." Selame gasps at Akeiro! Xadon says, "Oh, i placed the last stone." You praise Coethi's efforts, supporting him with your approval. You pat Coethi on the back. You say to Coethi, "Good to see you again." Navesi lightly says to Gridaksma, "Indeed. I didn't know you were one for plays on words." Kethrai asks you, "Didn't you launch the final blow that drove Jeihrem back to his keep?" Gridaksma says, "I think the real investigation should be why it took Therengia so long to learn how to build a bridge." Xadon says, "I am the Bridge Completionist." Xadon nods to Navesi. Kethrai says to you, "Oughta get yourself a title too. Lich Slayer Anuril." Selame begins chortling at Gridaksma. Navesi nods to Xadon. Xadon nods to Gridaksma. Etasia grins at Kethrai, her dimples flashing into view. Xionara begins chortling at Gridaksma. Betlind begins chortling at Kethrai. Ozursus walks out of the area, robes shuffling along the ground. Navesi nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Crobin snuggles up to Leayne. Morlokk slowly says, "More importantly he owns therengia." Etasia grins at Betlind, her dimples flashing into view. Xadon says, "Have to slay a lich fer the title." Leayne smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Kethrai gazes up at the sky. Leayne wraps her arms lovingly around Crobin, snuggling close. Xadon says, "J is alive and well." Gridaksma says to Xadon, "I've done that." Xadon nods to Kethrai. Kethrai takes a sip of his coffee. You say to Kethrai, "Well, yes I suppose if we're talking about who got the last hit in... it was me." You say, "That's a bit like laying the last stone in a bridge." You ponder. Xadon says, "But... dont follow him either." Ansara says to Navesi, "He withstood lots of threats and violence and it was his genius that found the perfect stone for placing." Saragos grins at you. Navesi sweetly asks Xadon, "How is his puddle-dom doing? Formed limbs again yet?" Xadon says, "He didnt like when i told him that." Ezerak says to Xadon, "I suppose if you call what he is alive." Xadon shudders. Saragos asks you, "Should I start calling you Lichbane?" Navesi nods to Ansara. You look at Saragos and sigh. You grin. Navesi writes something on a page in her oak-bound volume. Navesi says to Saragos, "I like it." Desimone takes a bite of the cheesecake. You say to Saragos, "I won't disagree." Kethrai asks Xadon, "Out of curiosity, are you aligned with the Philosophers? Or just... striking out on your own?" Zalinyar says, "It would be a good name for the sword that delivered the blow." Zalinyar nods to you. Xadon says, "I have no alignment." Kethrai nods to Xadon. Ansara beams in loving admiration at Xadon! Ansara says, "Cept to me." You say to Zalinyar, "Oh it was one of those lava javelins, you know the ones..." Ansara flirts with Xadon. Xadon smiles slowly, giving Ansara his full attention. Xadon says, "Yup." Saragos snorts, loudly. Kethrai says, "And your wife." Kethrai nods to Xadon. Xadon nibbles on Ansara affectionately. Zalinyar grins at you, her dimples flashing into view. Xadon nods to Kethrai. Selame smiles at Ansara. Xadon grins. Ansara winks at Selame. Saragos asks Xadon, "Put it this way. You out for yourself, or are you running errands for Demons?" Selame nods to Ansara. Ansara says to Selame, "Gotta keep em in line ya know." Kethrai says to you, "I do honestly miss the Forums, strange as it is to say. I learned a lot at every single one." Xadon says, "I run errands fer my wife." Xadon nods to Saragos. Gridaksma says to Saragos, "You sound like Tallis talking to Khurek." You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views. Crobin chuckles. Jaelia laughs! You say to Kethrai, "It was an unparalleled resource.." Selame grins at Ansara. Jaelia laughs! Xadon says, "I dont follow a "god" or a "demon." Xadon nods to Saragos. Kethrai says, "Somehow, when they had Cyrril to heckle, it made the other necromancers a lot more talkative." Navesi says, "Run errands in between all the necromancy, of course." You grin at Kethrai. You cough. Saragos asks Gridaksma, "Ok?" Xadon asks, "Between my life?" Xadon peers quizzically at Navesi. Xadon says, "Yes." Kethrai says, "Normally they'd be all coy and mysterious, but if they had a chance to correct Cyrril on some point of fact..." Navesi raises an eyebrow in Kethrai's direction. Elurora looks at Kethrai, obviously trying not to grin. Ansara says to Xadon, "We are out of milk again." Navesi asks, "Who's Cyrril?" You blink at Navesi. Jaelia says, "Listening to Tallis and Khurek speak made me ill from the start, and I imagine they would make me no less ill today." Xadon asks, "You ever spent a Day with a Necro?" Xadon peers quizzically at Navesi. You say to Navesi, "The one who organized the meetings down in Ilithi that I spoke of attending, in my talk." Navesi dryly says, "Just the one I was firing lava spears at." You say to Navesi, "His name was Cyrril." Saragos says, "Wasn't around to hear them speak to each other, so I couldn't say." Xionara paces back and forth. Xadon says, "I invite you to." Zynell says, "Who had the worst filtering of truth i have ever seen." Zalinyar asks Xadon, "Does it count if you didn't know they were a necromancer?" Jaelia asks Xadon, "I would be willing, I spent enough time doing penance based on being labeled with their offenses, I can't imagine what more worse I could do?" Zynell nods to you. Xadon says, "Would be a great story." Xadon nods. Navesi says, "And a few who managed to conceal their taint long enough." You ask Zynell, "Filtering?" Navesi nods to you. Xadon nods to Jaelia. Navesi says, "I see." Xadon says, "Any time you like." Selame holds her hand up before her mouth and begins to cough, her shoulders shaking. Hope it's not contagious! Jaelia nods to Xadon. Akeiro grins at Selame. Zynell says to you, "That one meeting he accepted any and every terrible idea thrown out to him as reasonable." Ezerak says to Xadon, "I did. I broke his toes first, with a hammer. Seems they can't heal themselves without something dead around." Ezerak appears to be trying hard not to grin. Kethrai laughs! Elurora blinks at Ezerak. Kethrai asks Zynell, "Oh, the one about the philosophy of good and evil?" Selame angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Akeiro. You say to Zynell, "Oh, hmm, I suppose he did have a very accepting attitude when he was trying to get a conversation going, that is true." Zynell says to you, "Even if facts were explicitly against the idea." Xadon says, "Not true." Xadon gets a great chunk of mauler material from inside his night-black haversack. You chuckle at Zynell. Akeiro grins at Selame. You nod to Zynell. Selame laughs happily. Xadon offers Ezerak a great chunk of mauler material. Selame pulls Akeiro to her in a tight hug. Zynell says to Kethrai, "That was the worst one, but it was every discussion." Navesi grins at Ezerak. Ezerak declines Xadon's offer. Leayne smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Xadon smiles. Xadon puts his material in his wyvern skull. Kethrai says, "Yeah, it was pretty funny that there were some mutually exclusive ideas that he accepted and offered up one after the other." Ezerak says to Xadon, "That's still a dead thing." Xadon says, "A piece a one." Xadon nods. Kethrai says, "But... I guess he was trying to act more as facilitator than participant." Navesi asks, "So what happened to this Cyrril?" Desimone chuckles at Morlokk. Zynell says, "It hindered learning." Zynell nods to Kethrai. Morlokk smiles. Xadon says, "He was run off." Xadon nods to Navesi. Crobin chuckles at Leayne. Leayne giggles at Crobin. Zynell nods at Xadon, obviously agreeing with his views. Selame winks at Akeiro. Xadon says, "From people who dont understand Us." Navesi says, "Mm." You say to Navesi, "He told us he was going on a journey for personal resons and did not know if he would ever return. He did take us to a very interesting place though, for the last meeting..." Zalinyar exclaims to Leayne, "I need to go let Doom out. See you two again soon!" Zalinyar hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Zalinyar with a warm smile. Ansara says to Xadon, "You could start them up again." Zalinyar hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Zalinyar with a warm smile. Morlokk nods at Desimone, obviously agreeing with her views. Coethi takes a bite of the brownies. Zalinyar waves. Navesi nods to you. Primal Lady Zalinyar strolls east. Akeiro wraps his arms lovingly around Selame, snuggling close. Xadon nods to Ansara. Xadon says, "I may." Xadon says, "All are invited." Selame angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Xadon. Jaelia says, "Apologies for the Holy spells cast, they are only to keep my floaty orb friend full there is nothing I am going to d that is going to hurt anyone gathered." Selame quietly asks Xadon, "Start what up again?" Jaelia gestures over the shadowy orb, muttering tones of enchantment! Xadon says, "Thats quite alright." Navesi gazes at Jaelia. Xadon nods to Jaelia. Ansara says, "The necro talks." Ansara nods to Selame. Navesi says to Jaelia, "Don't ever apologize for honoring the Immortals." Xadon says, "As you see , i didnt melt or die." Leayne nods to Crobin. Kethrai says, "I suppose they won't be called Philosopher's Forums any more." Kethrai appears to be trying hard not to grin. Xadon says, "Im quite ok." Navesi gently closes a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Jaelia says to Navesi, "I am trying to be polite to all gathered. There is time for Immortals, and time for Society, and we juggle both as clerics." Navesi puts her volume in her black coat. Navesi puts her quill in her black coat. You smirk at Xadon. Ezerak sarcastically says, "A damn shame." Ansara asks Kethrai, "What name should we give em?" Akeiro says to Kethrai, "I went to one of those meetings." Xadon smiles at Ezerak. Akeiro says, "Snacks were pretty good." Kethrai looks at Ansara and shrugs. Navesi says to Jaelia, "There's no need to be polite to Necromancers, certainly not at the expense of the Immortals." Kethrai says, "Naming things is hard." Leayne grins at Akeiro, her dimples flashing into view. Elurora nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Crobin nods to Kethrai. Morlokk sweeps a fine platinum chain strung with ilmenite cores and multi-faceted stormfire topaz beads off his head and in front of him in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Desimone at the same time. Xadon says, "You dont have to like me." Gridaksma glances at Elurora. Crobin says, "I agree." Xadon says, "Again." Elurora flashes a wide grin at Gridaksma. Zynell says, "There is always time to be polite." Xadon says, "I dont require acceptace." Zynell nods to Navesi. Long Sticka Morlokk lurches east. Navesi says to Zynell, "Respectfully disagree." Selame leans over and scratches Akeiro's back. Kethrai says, "I have a... personal anecdote, actually, on that..." Coethi takes a bite of the brownies. Elurora quietly says to Gridaksma, "Eskila keeps trying to get me to change Dog's name." You observe Kethrai with fascination. Gridaksma snickers at Elurora. Betlind softly says, "Oh nugget..." Etasia grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view. Gridaksma says, "He seems to respond to it well enough." Zynell says to Navesi, "Took the time to politely disagree." Crobin nods to Leayne. Kethrai says, "There is a necromancer, well, formerly one, who is a friend of mine." Zynell winks at Navesi. Zynell giggles. Elurora nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views. Zynell playfully tilts her ears toward Navesi. Navesi exclaims to Zynell, "You are not a Necromancer!" Elurora grins at Etasia. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Kethrai. Etasia grins at Elurora, her dimples flashing into view. Zynell giggles at Navesi. Selame peers quizzically at Kethrai. Kethrai says, "She... struggled, quite a lot, with trying not to fall too far into the darkness, despite the demonic temptations to do so." Xionara angles her ears forward in curiosity. Jaelia asks Navesi, "But I'm not dishonoring the Immortals. I make no apologies for my spells, only that I am not looking to start something I am not going to finish or wanting to invite. That keeps me alive. And lines of communication open. And if lines of communication had been more open - perhaps the necromancer issue would not still be one, as minor as it seems now - 5 decades later?" Navesi nods to Kethrai. Elurora giggles at Etasia. Akeiro asks Kethrai, "The one that cursed with gnomishness?" Etasia appears to be trying hard not to grin. Kethrai says, "I and some others, well... Tried to be compassionate with her, and forgiving, the times when she fell short." Kethrai shakes his head at Akeiro. Akeiro nods. Leayne hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile. Kethrai says, "I eventually assisted her on her path back to the Immortals." Gridaksma gazes thoughtfully at Kethrai. Crobin snuggles up to Leayne. Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Kethrai. Navesi says to Jaelia, "My advice is to keep your honor in the Immortals, and run away if you find yourself truly in danger. Not that you could be, with the Immortals to raise you again." Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view. Navesi nods to Kethrai. Leayne wraps her arms lovingly around Crobin, snuggling close. Jaelia grins at Navesi. Xadon says, "Should you ever wish to not be a biggeted person, you are free to follow me around and see just how HORRIBLE a necro is." Navesi says to Kethrai, "An honorable task." Xadon nods. Gridaksma says, "And neverforget the temple is not the immortals." Zynell nods at Gridaksma, obviously agreeing with his views. Ezerak snorts, loudly. You ponder. Zynell nods emphatically. Jaelia says, "That is the wisest thing Spoken today, Thank you Gridaksma." Zynell nods at Jaelia, obviously agreeing with her views. Gridaksma says, "They also shouldn't let any of their inquisitors put dungeons under their bed." Jaelia chortles softly at some secret joke. Elurora grins at Betlind. Xihlamia slinks east. Leayne studies her diamond-hide almanac closely. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Gridaksma. Saragos says, "Regarding communication, it's pretty simple to me. Those that call themselves Philosophers... I don't agree with, I think they're doing dangerous things, and I think they're fooling themselves if they believe they can get out clean. But the Perverse? I'm not sure what sort of conversation you can have with them. They're serving the wolves at our door, the things that, if they get their way will end it all." Gridaksma nods to Akeiro. Leayne nods to Crobin. Elurora asks Xadon, "Is your offer open to anyone?" Ezerak nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views. Jaelia nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views. Xadon nods to Elurora. Elurora gives Xadon a slight nod. Xadon says, "It is." Desimone asks, "Yes, how do we sign up for 'A day with Xadon', to see what necromancers do?" Crobin nods to Leayne. Saragos says, "Regardless of anything else, if you like living life in a way that we understand it, helping Demons get their way is working against your own best interests. That's not religion, that's just sense." Kethrai says, "Sorry, lost my train of thought. I guess, my point being." Xadon says, "Just ask." Leayne waves. Xadon smiles. Leayne softly says, "Be well all." Jaelia beams at Leayne! Jaelia waves to Leayne. Betlind bows to Leayne. Etasia nods to Leayne. Zynell says to Saragos, "Plenty of conversation to be had, they are quite interesting and have pretty solid grasps on topics i find most anyone else lacking in." Imerald wanders east. Kethrai says, "Compassion and... politeness, even. May be worth offering." Elurora nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Darkewolff nods to Leayne. Kethrai says, "Even if you aren't sure the person ever really can come back from that dark place." Darkewolff nods to Crobin. Xadon nods to Kethrai. Xadon says, "Always." Transcendent Empath Leayne glides east, leading her group. Gridaksma asks Saragos, "And if the temple asks you to further the necromantic cause in their name? Are you still evil?" Xadon says, "As i have been polite to those here who dipise me because of my guild." Akeiro nods to Selame. Zynell says to Saragos, "My theurgy studies are vastly improved by conversations with the profane actually." Xadon says, "But have never taken the time to speak to me." Xadon nods to Kethrai. Navesi says to Kethrai, "I support anyone who seeks redemption from the Immortals." Selame stands up. Selame dusts herself off. Selame gazes down at the ground. Akeiro grins at Selame. Akeiro chuckles. Xadon says, "So you support slavery." Xadon nods. Akeiro waves. Etasia waves to Akeiro. Xadon says, "Noted." Akeiro waves to Etasia. Etasia smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Ezerak looks over at Xadon and yawns. Darkewolff smirks. Xadon asks, "Sleepy?" You say to Xadon, "I do not see how the analogy works as the immortals do not dictate my actions." Xadon peers quizzically at Ezerak. Jaelia says, "Also, you do have to understand, I was down with the let's kill all the necromancers at the start of the war with Lyras. It was that time and the aftermath that followed that made me tell the Princess after the Prince died - he died in Service of the Immortals, just like any other Immortal while she's grieving for herself and her children, and be very done with Political heads and figures of state and temple." Zynell says, "Perhaps not obviously." Xadon asks, "No? who is your immortal?" Zynell nods to you. Kethrai asks Xadon, "And for what it's worth, we're speaking right here and now, aren't we?" Selame whispers something to Xadon. Xadon nods. You say to Xadon, "Hodierna." Ezerak says to Xadon, "No, I just grow bored of hearing the same things over and over from Necromancers." Xadon says, "You have been polite." Saragos says to Zynell, "I'm sure they're quite witty, and you might even be able to learn a thing or two from them. But their very path in life is an existential threat. Man holding a knife to my throat can be witty too, but I've got bigger things to worry about at that point." Xadon smiles at Kethrai. Selame whispers something to Ansara. Gridaksma says to Jaelia, "That was a trying time for many of us." Saragos says to Gridaksma, "Not sure what you're on about. I'm no servant of the Temple." Ezerak says, "I'll gladly admit that I have been less than polite." Gridaksma says to Saragos, "I asked if one is still evil doing the will of the temple who speaks for the gods." Ezerak says, "Because I've heard this all before." Selame quietly says to Xadon, "For the record, I don't despise you." Selame just hugged Xadon. Selame just hugged Ansara. Xadon smiles at Selame. Xadon hugs Selame, who wraps her arms around Xadon with a warm smile. "Burn him! Burn him!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Xadon a wide berth! Xadon says, "You have taken the time to know me." Xadon says, "I must go." Xadon waves. Ezerak says, "Ah, good, there they are." Kethrai gives Xadon a slight nod. You nod to Xadon. Akeiro leaps to his feet! Bridge Completionist Xadon goes east. Akeiro adjusts his fuzzy pajamas into place. Etasia nods. Darkewolff chuckles. Selame sighs. Ansara snickers. Etasia grins at Darkewolff, her dimples flashing into view. Akeiro angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Selame. Darkewolff says to Ezerak, "Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel." Zynell asks Saragos, "How can you be certain if you do not know their path or how they follow their immortals?" Darkewolff chuckles at Ezerak. Saragos says to Gridaksma, "Sorry, you're over there using broad, general terms, and very clearly laying a trap, trying to get me to defend an organization I'm not part of. It's a dumb game, and I'm not playing." Selame nods to Akeiro. Jaelia says to Ezerak, "I don't like what the Necomancers do. I understand though. I think there a lines. And there are also things we don't do becasue we hold ourselves to higher standards to live society better for our future children and members, rather than the Temple and Khurek of Burn it down and torture people and do things that harm the future of society and create empathy for necromancers." Ezerak chuckles. Grey Empath Akeiro drifts east, leading his group. Sothios smiles. Ozursus walks quietly into the area. Gridaksma says to Saragos, "I asked a simple question, it seems Gauthus isn't checking his recruits well anymore." Gridaksma shrugs. Ezerak says to Darkewolff, "I don't think I have to tell anyone where I stand on the subject, at this point." Gridaksma says, "He used to even preach the immortals himself." You say to Saragos, "I laregly agree with you about the philosophers... and I agree that we should strenuously resist the designs of those who follow demons, but if we are unwilling to extend a hand to them there is no chance they will ever turn back." Darkewolff smiles at Ezerak. Etasia peers quizzically at Gridaksma. Saragos says to Gridaksma, "You're a funny man." Sothios says, "Our kind was once hated as well." Saragos winks at Gridaksma. Ezerak chuckles. Zynell rubs Sothios gently, massaging his muscles. Darkewolff says to Ezerak, "Not at all. I just figred it would be nice to have a chuckle." Elurora nods at Darkewolff, obviously agreeing with his views. Zynell says to Sothios, "You are very loved now." Ezerak grins at Darkewolff, his dimples flashing into view. Ezerak pats Darkewolff on the back. Kethrai says, "I think Anuril's thesis from the lecture is on point here..." Zynell gently kisses Sothios on the cheek. Sothios says, "I judge on actions not on guild." You blink in amazement at Kethrai. Good heavens, dear! Darkewolff asks Ezerak, "You gotta appreciate good comedy, right?" Kethrai says, "I've heard so many very similar stories from different necromancers about how they came to it..." Etasia nods to Sothios. Ezerak says to Darkewolff, "Always, from all sources." Jaelia says to Saragos, "I still think he's been around enough to be worth listening to." Darkewolff nods to Ezerak. You nod to Kethrai. Kethrai says, "And often it comes down to, terrible things happened to me, and I want to fix them, or avenge them." Jaelia nods to Kethrai. Kethrai says, "Or... Terrible things happen to others, and how dare the Immortals not fix them." Kethrai says, "And we may be able to head that off by... ensuring that fewer terrible things happen." Elurora smiles at Kethrai. Kethrai says, "To everyone, great and small." Coethi takes a bite of the brownies. Jaelia says, "We can choose to be better for the current and the future, or we can choose actions that will only keep the status quo or make it worse. Because our actions today paint our tomorrow." Elurora nods to Kethrai. You nod at Kethrai, in complete agreement with his views.