Current Events/Logs/434-4-26-Log of Piercing the Temporal Veil

Log of Piercing the Temporal Veil

A log of a discussion at the Moon Mage Guild, Crossing, 04.28.2020, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM https://pastebin.com/SJE1zBjD

Event Name: Piercing the Temporal Veil

Event Instance: Prime

Real Date: 2020-04-28

Game Date of Event: 434-4-26

Point of View: Unknown

Child of Grazhir Aaoskar came through an ornate silver gateway. Yvela folds her arms across her chest. Aaoskar says, "Going to give it a few minutes because of the invasion." Rafano hopefully says to Lenaea, "I'm looking forward to the lecture." Rafano nods to Lenaea. Rafano smiles at Aaoskar. Aaoskar says, "I think we can help the lunar and possibly the elemental perspective on the theoretical possibility of temporal anomalies." Rafano whispers something to Lenaea. Lenaea nods at Rafano, obviously agreeing with his views. Yvela glances up at the sky. Broichan says, "It's exciting to have the opportunity to experience a bit of the past firsthand... even if it's a bit on the violent side." Kaelie beams! Kaelie waves to Rafano. Lenaea smiles at Kaelie. Rafano smiles at Kaelie. Rafano waves to Kaelie. Kaelie waves to Lenaea. Lenaea says to Kaelie, "I didn't thank you properly for your help earlier today." Lenaea says to Kaelie, "One should always wear armor when going hunting." Kaelie says to Lenaea, "Never a problem, always good to be able to help a friend." Aaoskar nods. Lenaea says to Rafano, "It was ugly." Lenaea sighs. Rafano sadly says to Lenaea, "I've done that before, I must admit." Kaelie says to Rafano, "I think it's almost a rite of passage." Lenaea says to Aaoskar, "Good of you to allow folks time to arrive. You do move quickly." Lenaea chuckles. Mazrian smiles at Kaelie. Mazrian stands near Kaelie. Mazrian gazes thoughtfully at Daeryean. Aaoskar says, "Yeah. i'm horrible at being quick and to the point." Ikevindy chuckles. Ruea hugs Kaelie, who wraps her arms around Ruea with a warm smile. Mazrian nods to Aaoskar. Ruea smiles at Mazrian. Ruea waves to Daeryean. Mazrian smiles at Ruea. Aaoskar says, "Ok." Kaelie waves to Ruea. Aaoskar says, "There are those who believe that none have studied the movement of time, and, as such, the temporal anomalies experienced in recent days are novel and unexplainable. I hope that tonight's discussion will help dispel all doubt. Time is not a foreign concept, at least not to Moon Mages." Aaoskar says, "When we discussed Temporal Shadows, we spoke of how shadows may cause temporal distortions. We presented multiple theories about the movements of time on the Astral Plane. In our presentation of the Cosmic Pendulum, we discussed how Grazhir's mana swings back and forth, proceeding and then reversing its course. When we discussed the Dichotomy of Time, we noted that time appears to be frozen in the conduits of the Astral Plane. But tonight, we turn our gaze instead toward the here and now." Aaoskar says, "From Grazhir halting time's progression, to individuals traveling to the Pethian home of Su Helmas, to non-spectacular moon mages causing the world to come to a halt with a mere gesture, time magic has been known, discussed, and even practiced in Lunar Mage circles for generations." Evalaut takes a seat near an ivory urn. Aaoskar says, "Yes, Moon Mages can stop time." Aaoskar gestures. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. Broichan raises an eyebrow. Lenaea blinks. A pained expression crosses Yvela's face. Saedrith glances at Aaoskar. Aaoskar's eyes go distant as he quickly forms intricate patterns in the air. Aaoskar gestures. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. Aaoskar says, "That was Tezirah's Veil, a powerful teleologic sorcery spell." Aaoskar says, "When a moon mage casts the spell, the caster's connection to the Plane of Probability is augmented, which gives the caster the ability to alter the flow of time. Indeed, as you just witnessed, "the world about you jolts to a sudden stop" when the spell is cast. The augmentation of fate and probability make time more malleable. We could explain in a grand theory, but such theories mean little when this phenomenon is observable as you have just seen." Vaxis glances up at the sky. Aaoskar says, "In a second, perhaps less controversial example, consider the very nature of prophecy. Without even a spell, by using only our mind, Moon Mages can pierce the temporal veil and gaze upon ages and places that are not our own. We are not wholly bound by time. The future is our servant and with the tangled fate spell, we can even rewrite the past, by loosening the shackles of Fate forged on the Plane of Probability." Aaoskar paces back and forth. Aaoskar knits his eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown. Aaoskar says, "Moon Mages can manipulate time. This is not speculation. It is fact." Evalaut ponders. Aaoskar says, "But this is not to say that Lunar Magic is exclusively responsible for current events. Although we submit that Probability is ultimately the driving force behind the Gorbesh invasions, it could be that something else precipitated the temporal vortices from which the invaders emerge. It is rumored that the Fae dabble in Time Magic. We will not examine that today. But recent experiments with Aether could have created the environment where this "bleed" of probability could surface." Broichan gazes about, drinking in his surroundings. Aaoskar says, "Probability is empowered to the point that it overwhelms aether -- causing a localized temporal anomaly." Aaoskar says, "So let us begin." Aaoskar says, "It could be that the Aether experiments disrupted the balance between the influences of the Plane of Probability and the Plane of Aether. Whenever Probability is amplified or whenever Aether is diminished, time fluctuates in peculiar ways." Aaoskar asks, "But why is this?" Aaoskar says, "As the Elemental scholar Uryutis teaches, Aether suffuses all things - it is the insubstantial substructure that binds the physical universe together. Accepting this as true, it holds that when Aether is weakened, the physical universe can become unbound. It is possible that the weakening of Aether can affect the flow of time, which is exactly what we are seeing right now." Moirai gazes heavenwards expectantly, but lowers her eyes unfulfilled. Aaoskar asks, "But why?" Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Aaoskar says, "Uryutis tells us that they have seen Aether suffuse through open Moon Gates, indicating that a framework of Aether exists within the Astral Plane. Uryutis concludes that Aether is everywhere that isn't the Void. Consequently, it follows that Aether is also found on the Plane of Probability." Aaoskar says, "So, as we have seen here today, Time may be manipulated by merely enhancing probability, but possibly also by diminishing Aether or by ripping holes in it. By tinkering with this balance, Probability is empowered to the point that it overwhelms Aether, causing a localized temporal anomaly." Aaoskar says, "In the not too distant past, a group of lunar mages attempted to thread fate upon itself in an effort to create a curious anomaly in the present that the prophetess Nera would have foreseen in the past. It is possible that this could have caused temporal distortions." Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Mazrian nods. Aaoskar says, "Similarly, when a group of warrior mages created their own anomaly two Elanthian years later, they too could have caused a similar result, but by a different method - by tearing a jagged hole in Aether, weakening the "glue" that holds the universe together. In its weakened state, the forces of probability may have been able to overtake Aether which resulted in the temporal distortions we have recently faced: the return of the Gorbesh, the elpazi, "V" - of which we know little, and other invading forces. Moon Mages cannot claim "V" at this time because we do not know from where or when he comes." Aaoskar says, "Some may be amused at what I am about to say, but it must be said. I urge our elemental research colleagues to use extreme caution." Lenaea smirks. Aaoskar says, "Dealing with the Plane of Probability is the exclusive province of Moon Mages, and even we do not know all its secrets. Tinkering with the Plane of Probability should not be taken lightly." Ruea raises an eyebrow. Rafano nods emphatically at Aaoskar. Aaoskar says, "If the Aether experiments did, indeed, cause a rift that led to the recent temporal anomalies, further research in that vein could bring about even greater and more harrowing consequences. And though of lesser import, our elemental colleagues may raise the ire of the Inquisition who opposed similar research by Moon Mages not long ago. But that does not mean that our colleagues should end their search for knowledge! No, they should continue their quest, for knowledge strengthens all of us." Broichan nods in agreement. Aaoskar says, "Speaking both for myself and the group of lunar researchers with whom I work, we offer our time and talent, should they be needed, to aid our elemental colleagues." Aaoskar says, "Thank you for your consideration on this controversial topic." Aaoskar says, "If anyone has any questions or would like to make comments, please do." Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Aaoskar says, "I know this topic may have seen to come out of nowhere, but honestly we have been researching time for years now." Vaxis asks, "Did I miss this? What was the nature of the elemental research?" Mazrian asks, "Perhaps unrelated, but...do you know that your experiment DIDN'T signal the Prophetess somehow, back in the past?" Lenaea shakes her head at Mazrian. Aaoskar says, "No, we do not know what caused it...we are putting forth that it is possible that either anomaly could have caused these events to occur...which makes this time dangerous." Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Lenaea says to Mazrian, "We also don't know whether someone else, this "V" perhaps, heard the message instead of Nera." Mazrian nods. Evalaut whispers something to Lenaea. Aaoskar says, "It feels some akward to potentially implicate ourselves or to implicate warrior mages, but we thought this should be public knowledge. perhaps it can help." Rafano glances up at the sky. Evalaut raises her hand. Aaoskar says, "Yes Evalaut." Ruea smiles. Rafano grins at Dantia. Evalaut asks, "What again, was the purpose of your original experiments?" Lenaea whispers something to Evalaut. Evalaut nods to Lenaea. Isenriel quietly says, "... My sincere apologies for my tardiness." Isenriel bows. Lenaea pats Isenriel on the back. Rafano smiles at Isenriel. Aaoskar says, "Lord...originally, we attempted to gaze back into the past, to just before the point when Grazhir exploded so we could learn about the obelisk builders." Vaxis asks, "Is the advice then to just practice caution with any and all research? Is there a plan to deal with with influx of time-lost creatures?" Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Aaoskar says, "Later we attempted to reach back to nera to get her advice on the Arbiter." Evalaut ponders. Evalaut asks, "And that is when you believe the experiment was... intercepted? And now they're using the message to come here?" Evalaut scratches her head. Aaoskar says, "Yes." Aaoskar nods to Evalaut. Evalaut frowns. Evalaut nods. Lenaea says to Vaxis, "In the past, we've seen fervent naysaying and loud boycotting of research, largely due to fear." Vaxis nods to Lenaea. Evalaut raises her hand. Isenriel nods to Lenaea. Rafano nods to Isenriel. Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Lenaea says to Vaxis, "As long as precautions are taken, and we are quick on our feet, I'm confident that all will be well." Evalaut casually observes the area. Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Coglumen raises his arm skyward, chanting. Aaoskar says, "We also did successfully communicate with Shadow creatures not long ago. To put it lightly, they are not happy with us. in fact, they were rather violent." Rafano chuckles at Dantia. Eyst says, "It doesn't seem to me like our current problem has come about by accident. Even with their mysterious origin some malevolent intelligence must be behind it." Evalaut blinks at Aaoskar. Isenriel frowns. Lenaea nods at Eyst, obviously agreeing with his views. Rafano grins at Isenriel. Coglumen raises his arm skyward, chanting. Mazrian nods to Eyst. Aaoskar says, "Rafano has also had his own encounters. but i would not want to speak for him. though he is free to share." Mazrian says, "I agree, I think there's reason to believe what's happening is not accidental." Rafano distractedly says to Aaoskar, "What was the question? I was bringing some latecomers up to speed . . ." Isenriel nods to Mazrian. Evalaut says to Aaoskar, "What do you theorists keep saying that makes others in the past so upset? I'm just having a hard time seeing a motive." Coglumen gestures. Lenaea says to Mazrian, "Perhaps watchers, waiting in the wings, for the prime opportunity." Dantia nods to Lenaea. Broichan takes a sip of his liquor. Isenriel nods to Rafano. Aaoskar says, "It honestly goes back to times beyond written accounts. this is one reason we were trying to reach out to Nera. We wanted to get her insight as she was the most powerful seer ever and she was on good terms with Creatures of Probability." Mazrian says to Lenaea, "Perhaps. I'd love to find one and ask him. Or her." Coglumen raises his arm skyward, chanting. Lenaea absentmindedly says, "Perhaps from some future place, gazing backwards, knowing where and when our moment of greatest weakness would come." Lenaea knits her eyebrows together in a thoughtful frown. Aaoskar nods to Lenaea. Evalaut nods. Evalaut nods. Lenaea ponders. Yvela says, "Perhaps the areas in which the various out-of-time invaders have appeared should be examined closely by Teleologic sorcerers." Isenriel ponders. Isenriel blinks at Yvela. Mazrian coughs. Isenriel quietly says, "... My, my." Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Lenaea grins slowly. Dantia quietly says to Lenaea, "That is where my line of thinking has gone. We are experiencing forces from the past, but to assume that will be the only enemies we face may be short sighted. I'm more afraid of facing enemies of our future." Vaxis asks, "Who was this 'V'? Is anyone looking into this character?" Yvela says, "A magic strong enough to open rifts in time should leave some lingering traces that may be possible to backtrace to their origin point." Isenriel nods to Rafano. Kaelie says, "It's bad enough chewing leftovers, not looking forward to seeing what else they bring to the table." Aaoskar says, "Teleologic Sorcery is one avenue that is not looked upon very highly in social circles." Mazrian nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views. Lenaea says to Aaoskar, "But I think we know of a few who might be willing." Aaoskar says, "I am not saying that we shouldnt do this, but we would need to prepare people with the pros and cons to avoid a public hanging." Yvela says, "That hardly stopped you from demonstrating it to us." Yvela grins at Aaoskar. Isenriel bows his head and chants a prayer. Isenriel chuckles. Lenaea chuckles. Lenaea says, "Fair point." Isenriel tilts his head up. Dantia chuckles. Isenriel glances heavenward a moment and utters a desperate prayer. Aaoskar says, "Well." Mazrian dusts himself off. Aaoskar says, "I'm horrible at following my own advice." Dantia grins at Aaoskar. Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Lenaea says, "And I'm sure he feels safer here under Kssarh's window than, say, in the streets of the Crossing." Rafano gives Aaoskar a wry grin. Faedryl smirks. Lenaea says, "That is also very, painfully true." A voice yells from atop the Observatory, "I wonder if it's not looked on favorably because of those rogue Teleologic misfits trying to destroy us all and take down the Guild whose institutional knowledge and power you have so eagerly benefitted from for ages!" Estrala laughs! Dantia gazes up at the sky. Isenriel tilts his head up. Yvela chuckles. Rafano chuckles. Mazrian laughs! Lenaea says, "Oh for heaven's sake." Broichan chuckles. Daeryean gazes up at the sky. Mistanna appears to be trying hard not to grin. Lenaea chuckles. Aaoskar ducks his head. Karthor chuckles. Isenriel quietly says, "... Well, that preempts my question as to the wisdom of discussing this before the Observatory." Dantia chuckles. A voice yells from atop the Observatory, "Oh, and you're not just bad at taking your own advice!" Aaoskar blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red. Evalaut asks, "So, the Gorbesh, having lost the last war, are seizing opportunity to come now and try through different probability?" Evalaut blinks. Evalaut gazes up at the sky. Isenriel fixes Yvela with a calm, clear stare. Lenaea says to Aaoskar, "You'd better watch out, he'll come down here." Vaxis says, "I doubt he will. I'm not sure he's left the tower in years." Vaxis winces. Vaxis ponders. Aaoskar says, "Well." Aaoskar blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red. Daeryean asks, "So my guess is that your guild leader doesn't think any of this is a great plan?" Yvela says, "Still. The streets of our citites aren't the only place the invaders have appeared. They first attacked us west of Crossing, across the brook. It may be too late to detect signs of what happened there, but I still think it's worth looking into." Rafano says to Evalaut, "I don't think they're that strategic. Each time they appear they talk about the past, as if they don't realize they are in the future. Therefore, I have my doubts this was intentional on their part." Kaelie chuckles at Daeryean. Aaoskar blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely flustered. Mazrian nods to Yvela. Dantia nods at Rafano, obviously agreeing with his views. Aaoskar says, "In any regard, what we propose is definitely controversial." Mazrian asks, "Did anyone feel the distinctive sensation before the latest attack?" Yvela nods to Mazrian. Faedryl nods to Mazrian. Yvela says, "Yes. Unsettling as always." Karthor nods to Mazrian. Mazrian nods. Broichan nods to Mazrian. Isenriel quietly says, "... I must agree with Master Rafano. Those of us who have battled them multiple times can attest that the same words and attitudes were repeated." Lenaea says, "Perhaps we should, uhm, leave our guildleader to his scrolls shortly to go examine the site of the attack." Mazrian says, "Ok. good to know." Karthor says, "Aye, it matched the one ya described before." Evalaut nods to Rafano. Mazrian nods to Karthor. Evalaut ponders. Isenriel quietly asks Yvela, "... Did you feel it, too?" Evalaut asks Isenriel, "Do you think they realize at all they are in the now?" Lenaea chuckles. Yvela nods to Isenriel. Isenriel quietly asks Evalaut, "... What is the 'now' but one's surroundings?" Evalaut ponders. Yvela says to Isenriel, "Every time, thus far." Isenriel quietly asks Yvela, "... What was it you sensed, I'm curious?" Lenaea says, "I felt something sacrosanct being torn asunder." Faedryl asks Evalaut, "Do you think you would know if you were pulled through time but had no idea of the travel?" Dantia says to Evalaut, "I personally don't think they recognize any difference. One moment they were in their 'now', the next in ours." (Isenriel tries to pay attention to Yvela, but clearly cannot bring himself to make eye contact...) Isenriel nods to Lenaea. Rafano nods at Dantia, obviously agreeing with her views. Evalaut ponders. Mazrian nods to Lenaea. Aaoskar says, "Every time i have time traveled, i have felt peculiar sensations." Dantia ponders. Dantia gnaws on her lip. Dantia quietly asks, "Have we at all considered that -we- have travelled, en masse, back to their now?" Evalaut says to Faedryl, "I mean, cities build. Having buildings appear from nowhere and then disappear again would be disconcerting to any warrior." Yvela says, "I've heard others describe it as something holy breaking apart. Perhaps so? It feels like something.. important breaking, in those moments." Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Isenriel quietly asks Yvela, "... And you? Did you feel something sacred breaking? Or merely that 'something' broke?" Aaoskar paces back and forth. Aaoskar looks thoughtfully at Lenaea. Lenaea says, "The feeling of sanctity... It may be that we should take a bit of a field trip." Isenriel nods to Lenaea. Aaoskar asks, "Are you sure we should, Lenaea?" Mazrian rubs Kaelie's back. Lenaea says to Aaoskar, "You know of the place, the temple in Shard, where we can, indeed, travel through time." Faedryl says, "If they are taken from when they were originally on their way to raid our city, the look would be unknown to them so they would be before a city unseen previously. They are not aware of what would have been when they first arrived, but what is now when they arrive." Aaoskar says, "It is closer." Faedryl closes his eyes for a moment and grows still. Lenaea exclaims, "Not shard!" Lenaea laughs at herself. Evalaut nods to Faedryl. Lenaea exclaims, "It's here!" Aaoskar asks, "Do we need to time travel now?" Isenriel fixes Yvela with a calm, clear stare. Dantia nods to Faedryl. Aaoskar asks, "Would that help us understand more about our current events?" Aaoskar paces back and forth. Rafano stretches his arms. Eyst says to Dantia, "That's an interesting notion. Perhaps it's not so much they are traveling to our time as our times are intersecting in a way." Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Lenaea says to Yvela, "Regretfully, I do not believe your teachings will allow you to experience it, but there is a place in the Temple where time travel is possible." Dantia nods to Eyst. Aaoskar waves his hands around. Aaoskar sighs. Dantia says to Eyst, "So many questions, and unfortunately no where to look for the answers." Lenaea says, "An interesting notion, the suggestion that our time is melded with theirs, instead of the other way around." Evalaut says, "On the last invasion of the Gorbesh forces they poignantly stayed away from the Temple." Aaoskar says, "I do not think they think i am serious, lenaea." Yvela says to Isenriel, "Well, that's my point. I'm not sure if the feeling of holiness is universal, or just peoples' interpretation of something important coming undone." Isenriel quietly says, "... I have faith that there are yet inferences and deductions to be made." Aaoskar ponders. Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Lenaea asks, "But really, once two different times combine, who's to say which group is the host and which is the visitor?" Lenaea asks, "Are they not one?" Dantia nods to Lenaea. Maintain bows his head and chants a prayer. Yvela tilts her head to one side. Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Evalaut ponders. Eyst says, "The men and beasts popping up do flicker in an odd way. Perhaps we seem the same to them. They could be having a meeting right now wondering what to do about their own temporal invades." Evalaut asks Lenaea, "No, one is the traveler and the other is static?" Dantia chuckles at Eyst. Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Isenriel quietly says to Yvela, "... Yes, that is what I wished to get too. If it were a matter of something truly Holy breaking, I believe those of .. uhm, your ilk ... would experience it distinctly differently than if it were a matter of other cosmological laws being violated." Maintain bows his head and chants a prayer. Evalaut says, "Unless the planes are squishing." Yvela nods to Isenriel. Isenriel quietly says, "... Which leads me to agree with the Lunar explanation most so." (Isenriel looks away from Yvela instantly, clearly relieved.) Aaoskar says, "The interesting thing about augmenting Fate and altering time is that it requires lunar and holy mana." Isenriel nods to Aaoskar. Lenaea firmly says to Isenriel, "With respect, there are things that are sacred to her guild. Perhaps not the same as yours or mine, but sacred just the same." Trieo seems lost in thought for a few moments. Yvela smiles quickly. Isenriel quietly says to Lenaea, "The 'sacred' and the Holy are not one and the same." Dantia clears her throat. Kaelie closes her eyes for a moment and grows still. Evalaut ponders. Kaelie grins at Dantia. Mazrian smiles at Kaelie. Lenaea folds her arms across her chest and gives Isenriel a hard stare. Isenriel quietly says to Lenaea, "... Thus, if we share perceptions, it is likely the former if there was something key that differed, it might more likely be the latter." Rafano says to Lenaea, "I agree. Contracts are sacred, as far as a Trader like myself is concered. Immortals do not have monopoly on the sacred . . . unless they've added a fortieth I don't know about or something like that." Lenaea says, "It matters little, for the time being." Isenriel chuckles at Rafano. Dantia chuckles at Rafano. Lenaea snickers at Rafano. Dantia tenderly says to Rafano, "Spoken like a Rakash." Evalaut blinks at Dantia. Isenriel quietly says, "... Indeed, I feel it makes it all the more likely that it is a Lunar phenomenon, at least primarily." Rafano wryly says to Dantia, "Three is all we need. Three." Rafano grins at Dantia. Dantia grins at Rafano. Lenaea says, "We've veered off the path." Dantia pats Evalaut on the back. Faedryl nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views. Maintain bows his head and chants a prayer. Mazrian rubs his neck. Lenaea says, "Time! Time... time is malleable." Daeryean says, "Because whatevet path we were on was about to have rocks thrown on us from above perhaps." Lenaea says, "And if you wish to experience its malleability for yourself, we can go to a place where you can do it under the eyes of the Thirteen." Lenaea says, "And with their approval, no less." Maintain bows his head and chants a prayer. Dantia grins at Evalaut. Mazrian says, "But not without an absurd expenditure of energy, surely. More than any of us individually could muster." Aaoskar says, "That is true. i have never taken so many there before." Yvela nods to Mazrian. Isenriel quietly says, "... I can offer what aid I can." Evalaut asks, "Wait, it requires the approval of the Thirteen in order to manipulate time?" Isenriel quietly says, "... Do we intend to do this now? That may be perhaps a bit rushed." Maintain bows his head and chants a prayer. Rafano leans back against Dantia with a loving smile. Isenriel glances heavenward a moment and utters a desperate prayer. Evalaut shakes her head at Dantia. Aaoskar says, "No..it is just under their roof." Trieo says, "No time like the Present." Trieo grins, revealing his dimples. Aaoskar says, "Time travel is possible." Isenriel chuckles at Trieo. Rafano chuckles at Trieo. Ikevindy chuckles. Dantia smiles at Evalaut. Yvela ponders. Isenriel quietly says, "... If it is decided so, please contact me. I must take my leave, for now." Lenaea nods. Yvela asks, "I wonder if these invaders are.. different every time, or the same? Have we fought off multiple companies of Gorbesh, or the same company repeatedly?" Mazrian says, "There's a disturbing thought." Mazrian nods to Yvela. Dantia ponders. Vaxis nods. Evalaut ponders. Dantia quietly says, "Great question..." Lenaea says to Yvela, "The poor chaps, fighting and losing the same battle over and over." Broichan cocks his head. Evalaut asks, "Where can I find history of the last Gorbesh war?" Faedryl asks, "And if they are the same, do they experience all the times together?" Moirai takes a bascinet off her head. Yvela says, "Perhaps from their perspective each invasion is the first they've attempted." Evalaut says, "Perhaps there are similarities or things that stand out." Yvela says, "Some moment in time looping back on itself." Dantia asks Mazrian, "We've seen new types of invaders each time, have we not? First it was just Gorbesh, then Gorbesh and Elpazi, etc?" Faedryl says to Evalaut, "Those were bad times." Mazrian shakes his head. Mazrian says, "They're changing tactics." Evalaut nods at Faedryl, obviously agreeing with his views. Rafano joins Aaoskar's group. Mazrian says, "This last attack, they were clearly deploying to move us around." Lenaea says to Dantia, "But then there was the sole Gorbesh Enchanter on Ratha." Dantia gnaws on her lip. Dantia nods to Lenaea. Yvela nods to Mazrian. Lenaea says to Dantia, "You know, the one that seems to have been sent especially for ME." Aaoskar says, "Unfortunately, i must go...but i will keep in touch and i hope you will let us know if you need help from us." Evalaut nods to Mazrian. Lenaea frowns. Faedryl says, "Aww maybe he got lost." Lenaea folds her arms across her chest. Child of Grazhir Aaoskar's group went through an ornate silver gateway. Faedryl ponders. Evalaut nods. Mazrian chuckles. Dantia gazes at an ornate silver gateway. Broichan chuckles at Faedryl. Lenaea says to Dantia, "I think they ran off to tinker with time." Dantia chuckles at Lenaea. Evalaut ponders. Dantia says to Lenaea, "Not entirely sure how that Trader is going to feel about it, but we'll see." Dantia grins at Lenaea. Ikevindy chuckles. Lenaea ponders. Maintain shakes his head at Kaelie. Mazrian asks, "Time travel implies all sorts of paradoxes, surely?" Evalaut asks, "Has the Elpazi ever attacked before? Like in our history or such?" Maintain shivers briefly as wounds and traces of battle abruptly vanish from his body. Lenaea nods to Evalaut. Mazrian nods to Evalaut. Yvela nods to Mazrian. Vaxis nods to Evalaut. Kaelie nods to Evalaut. Lenaea says to Evalaut, "A great, painful war." Kaelie says, "They were very determined, and took many lives." Evalaut nods. Evalaut asks, "How many years ago?" Evalaut asks, "Before the Gorbesh?" Evalaut coughs. Dantia asks, "On the heels of Yvela's question, if we're fighting the same company over and over, could there be some conclusion other than beating them back that we are meant to accomplish? Or would somehow bring the repetition to an end?" Evalaut asks, "Well, original Gorbesh?" Faedryl says, "So far those who have come have all been some of the worst wars we have seen. They are not he minor goblin invasions we have battled, but painful moments relived." Lenaea says to Dantia, "I guess the answer to that question would turn somewhat on why they keep being sent back." Moirai closes her eyes briefly before snapping them open again revealing scleras awash with shadows that creep into the irises. Threads of silver flicker across the pupils as her eyes drift about serenely. Moirai blinks once, returning her eyes to normal. Moirai closes her eyes and grows still. Mistanna says, "The rogue Elpalzi were vanquished more recently." Dantia nods to Lenaea. Mazrian says, "The Elpalzi were created by Dzree, they've been at least potential foes for a long time. They fought with Sorrow, to reference the oldest appearance in at least living memory." Mazrian says, "But we fought an off and on war with them for several years." Mistanna nods to Mazrian. Evalaut nods. Evalaut nods. Estrala asks, "Outcasts were aligned with Sorrow for some time, but we have not seen any of them, correct?" Dantia quietly says, "Obviously I prefer the fight first ask questions later approach, but what if by repeatedly fighting them off we're just resetting a timer that ensures they pop back up again." Dantia gnaws on her lip. Evalaut says, "Why do they fall in line so quickly with the Gorbesh company? I did see all them fighting Arisen during the last invasion." Mazrian says, "The last war would have started in the late 400's and concluded in, say, the 420's. With a lull after the destruction of Ulf'hara." Lenaea quietly says to Dantia, "What if every time they come back they learn a bit more. A bit smarter, every time, until... who knows." Mazrian nods to Evalaut. Dantia nods to Lenaea. Dantia says to Lenaea, "Perhaps this V is learning all of our tactics, and each time sending them with an updated battle plan. Eventually, we won't be able to hold them back." Yvela ponders. Faedryl says, "Are we so sure we could hold them back even now? I think many do not recall the Gorbesh war." Lenaea says, "But to what end. That's the mystery. Find out the goal, then we can make a plan to head him, or her, off." Dantia gives a slight nod. Faedryl says, "That was not a war won." Lenaea says to Yvela, "Once Aaoskar is done tinkering with temporal anomalies at the temple, I'd like to go examine the site." Evalaut blinks at Lenaea. Dantia quietly says, "Well I'm not ashamed to say that I will have to leave that strategy up to brains more fine tuned than mine." Yvela asks Mazrian, "I know in modern times we've had less tactical experience with wars, but.. do you think we're better off now or in the past, combat strength wise?" Yvela nods to Lenaea. Maintain whispers something to Kaelie. Yvela says to Lenaea, "I'd like to come along." Evalaut asks Lenaea, "Is Aaoskar the only that has been successful, as loose as that term may be, in those experiments?" Lenaea quietly says to Yvela, "I'm more shy about my teleologic knowledge, but willing to use it openly if necessary." Evalaut says to Yvela, "We are weaker. Spread out." Evalaut nods to Yvela. Lenaea says to Evalaut, "We do not know. Our elemental colleagues may have played a role in the events we see unfolding now." Evalaut says, "There was intent and tenacity in the past. People fought for their lives, not their waste bins." Trieo asks, "Have the provincial militias been reactivated given the current situation?" Yvela nods. Dantia chuckles at Evalaut. Mazrian gazes thoughtfully at Evalaut. Lenaea says to Evalaut, "And, truth be told, Aaoskar's "success" with his first Temporal experiment was an extraplanar invasion." Evalaut ponders. Lenaea grumpily says, "So take that for what you will." Evalaut gives Lenaea a wide, ear-to-ear grin. Kaelie whispers something to Maintain. Dantia says, "I believe last I heard we were trying to speak to the various provinces to see what sort of support we could muster, but it doesn't sound like we've had much luck on that front." Yvela says to Trieo, "Last I heard the governments were leaving it up to the adventurers for now. They don't want to rush into reopening their militaries, I suppose." Dantia nods to Yvela. Trieo nods to Yvela. Mazrian says, "The provincial militias, as sanctioned entities, are probably never coming back. However, there's nothing to stop people from organizing that way if they wish." Coglumen raises his arm skyward, chanting. Mazrian says, "Or organizing in some more flexible way, since so many of us are often far from home." Evalaut gazes up at the sky. Dantia inhales a great swallow of air. Trieo says, "Who needs fancy government sanctioning anyway, bad guys come, we fight." Dantia slowly empties her lungs. Dantia chuckles at Trieo. Yvela smiles. Mazrian chuckles. Trieo grins, revealing his dimples. Maintain says, "Provincial governments haven't been leading for decades. If it weren't for the fact they occasionally do good things for the commoners, you'd be able to fairly call them decadent." Mazrian says, "It's a good plan. got the virtue of simplicity. Maybe we can organize on a few points and otherwise keep it loose." Mazrian nods. Mazrian nods. Lenaea hesitantly says, "I must be honest with all of you. I experienced a recent vision that points to a violent struggle in times ahead." Mazrian nods to Trieo. Yvela tilts her head to one side. Taliciah frowns. Dantia raises an eyebrow in Lenaea's direction. Ikevindy fidgets nervously. Faedryl glances at Lenaea. Trieo says, "The key would be the getting the information out quickly as things occur and getting fighters in the right places." Trieo says, "As well as organized Triage." Taliciah studies the faces around her. Mazrian nods at Trieo, obviously agreeing with his views. Dantia chuckles at Mazrian. Lenaea's voice drops in pitch and she intones: "You see a wide open plain, featureless save for a circle of hideously twisted warriors standing shoulder to shoulder. Their carapace armor is cracked and slagged, though their bone shields and monstrously spiked weapons are still held firmly. The land around them is raked with black burns, molten stone bubbling as it rapidly cools. The yawning void in the midst screams in rage, and tentacles made of smoke and claw flail outward, latching onto the warriors backs and pulsating grotesquely. The warriors shiver in delight and seem to grow, their armor mending and sprouting spines, their shields and weapons swirling with malevolent energies. The horizon fills with rising points of brilliant golden light, and the warriors snarl in anticipation." Evalaut blinks. Lenaea blinks. Yvela frowns quickly. Lenaea rubs her head. Maintain folds his arms across his chest. Evalaut inhales a great swallow of air. Evalaut slowly empties her lungs. Lenaea says, "But I must remind everyone, probability is a fickle thing." Dantia frowns at Lenaea. Dantia nods. Trieo nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views. Lenaea says, "It is all that is, was, will be, and will not be." Dantia nods at Mazrian, obviously agreeing with his views. Lenaea says, "So do not take that vision as a guarantee, merely a warning." Eyst says, "I think I liked the vision about the baker more." Mazrian says, "Kaelie and the Empaths have triage pretty well organized. There is, I believe, a plan for that inside the Crossing." Mazrian grins wryly. Lenaea nods to Eyst. Dantia nods to Kaelie. Yvela asks, "That.. imagery suggests to me some level of demonic involvement. But whether that's related to this conflict.. who knows?" Mazrian asks, "Do you have ideas about how we could pass information more generally?" Trieo asks, "If I am correct the Gorbesh were able to breach the normally safe Empath's Guild during the last attack?" Kaelie says, "Danitas been handling the heavy work out of the guild, she has a team of empaths in the field that can help." Kaelie nods to Dantia. Dantia smiles at Kaelie. Rejind says, "They breached the Guild, but not Triage." Rejind says, "In the last assault." Mazrian says, "The Courtyard itself isn't safe. But down in the Healerie, I believe, the wards were in place." Trieo nods to Rejind. Lenaea says to Mazrian, "Have you considered using this space, here, in front of the Observatory as a staging area? It's rather off the beaten path, but surely safe." Moirai raises her arms skyward, chanting. Evalaut says, "They did make it to the doors of the healerie." Kaelie says, "Constanze has been very lax with the wards, in the past even the triage in the Healerie has been hit, but so far with this business it has been safe." Malykai says, "The doors to the healerie should have guards posted. It became a blood bath for a moment to get the wounded and dead inside safely." Rejind says, "Aye, they did. To the doors, but not through them." Evalaut smiles at Malykai. Mazrian says to Lenaea, "It's too far off the beaten path. People would get lost coming through the middens." Evalaut leans on Malykai. Trieo nods. Maintain shifts his weight. Dantia nods at Malykai, obviously agreeing with his views. Estrala asks, "Perhaps the same magic that brings them here but not entirely allows them some ability to find gaps in the wards?" Lenaea says, "To die in such a place." Mazrian says to Lenaea, "Though if they attacked toward the east, it would work." Lenaea shakes her head. Trieo asks, "Might be worth looking into multiple sites, to spread out the wounded and the dead for rezzing?" Evalaut nods to Trieo. Trieo says, "Although with those darn spheres there will be a lot more dead than wounded..." Evalaut says to Trieo, "I'm currently working on that." Lenaea quietly says, "I believe the Landfall dock may be a safer area. In all the invasions I've seen, I do not recall any to travel down the steps toward the dock." Kaelie says to Trieo, "With Dantia doing such great work on the battle fields it's super easy to just have one place for a triage. That way people aren't scrambling about and we know we have plenty of clerics and empaths working together." Dantia says to Trieo, "That would be Kaelie's call, at that time. I would default to what she directs." Trieo nods to Dantia. Mazrian asks Evalaut, "Perhaps you could put your heads to gether with Kaelie and Dantia, and coordinate?" Kaelie says, "I mean, I'm not in charge or anything. I've just done it a few times in the past. When there were two triage areas it became a game of where the clerics were for raising. If someone comes up with a better plan have at it." Trieo asks, "Has anyone figured out a way to defend against the Gorbesh spheres?... other than running away from them?" Broichan shakes his head. Malykai says, "Still the best method I've come up with." Malykai grins. Lenaea says to Trieo, "Just stand there and die proudly." Mazrian says, "There are a few tactics." Yvela says, "The best tactic has been to approach them in a large group to spread out the potential targets." Mazrian frowns at Lenaea. Lenaea waves her hand distractedly. Mazrian nods at Yvela, obviously agreeing with her views. Dantia says to Kaelie, "Your experience is what we need. I would agree it could get chaotic, especially trying to move people between two triage locations." Lenaea snickers. Taliciah wrinkles her nose. Lenaea says, "Yvela is right. Both times I've fallen to a sphere I was alone." Lenaea says, "A big, fat, glittery target." Trieo chuckles at Lenaea. Dantia chuckles at Lenaea. Mazrian says, "The spheres are managable with good tactics. A large group, as Yvela said. Having an Empath with the group to do chest healing. Training people to call out when they get hurt, and to fall back when hurt if there's no Empath around." Dantia pats Lenaea on the back. Faedryl nods. Yvela ponders. Mazrian says, "The first hit from a sphere is survivable. The second is usually fatal, and the third always is." Mazrian says, "So if you can get healed after the first one, you're ok." Dantia nods. Trieo says, "I got hit twice by them, I tried casting a Grounding Field attuned to fire magic but something broke by ward before the sphere hit me, so I couldnt tell if it would work." Lenaea says to Mazrian, "The first hit can stun pretty heavily if you happen to have forgotten to put on your armor." Lenaea winces. Mazrian nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views. Dantia chuckles at Lenaea. Mazrian says, "The whole thing is making sure to approach them the right way, with a group. And coordinating groups while things are going crazy." Mazrian says, "Which is not easy. I think we've been doing ok, all things considered, but when we had to spread out during the last attack we lost coordination." Mazrian says, "It still worked out, but if it had been a longer attack, or harder, we would have had trouble." Maintain says, "Staying grouped up is very important. And not just in the everyone standing in the same place sense." Lenaea says to Yvela, "Aaoskar will be on his way back soon, then perhaps you can lead us to the location." Broichan gazes intently into his sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface. Mazrian nods to Maintain. Yvela nods to Lenaea. Lenaea ponders. Mazrian says, "It'll be good to do what examinations of the site we can." Mazrian nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views. Oachs searches around for a moment. Lenaea says, "Well, we intend to use some of our less popular spells." Lenaea says, "So be aware of that going in." Lenaea chuckles. Yvela says to Lenaea, "I can go there now, quickly, so you can shift a beam to me if you like." Brief flashes of silver light illuminate the surroundings in sharp bursts as shimmering bolts arc from within the depths of the shadowy orb, swirling around Maintain merely to rejoin with their parent on the other side. Lenaea nods to Yvela. Yvela nods. Yvela pulls the hood of her cloak up. Lenaea gestures. A beam of clear silvery-blue light descends from the heavens. Broichan glances up at the sky. Dantia says, "May I also say that Kaelie is hosting an Empath Triage Mentor Night soon. I would highly recommend attending whether you are an Empath or not, especially if you plan to continue fighting in these fights. It's important to understand how the healing happens to help yourself stay alive." Maintain ponders. Mazrian nods in agreement. Aaoskar nods to Dantia. Taliciah nods to Dantia. Maintain whispers something to Kaelie. Taliciah says, "Maybe a idea even if we don't intentionally plan to fight..." Lenaea gestures. You happen to sense a Xibar moonbeam moving away from the area. Dantia nods to Taliciah. Mazrian nods in agreement. Lenaea says, "Moongate opening." A fierce blue-white glare forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. When it subsides, a blue Moongate stands before you, rippling slightly. Broichan peers through the Moongate. Faedryl peers through the Moongate. You peer through the Moongate... [Woodland Path, Dense Forest] A rustling sound draws your attention to a nearby tree trunk where a nocturnal squirrel clings to the bark. Suddenly letting go, it spreads its legs and glides silently to the ground where it grabs an unsuspecting beetle and scurries quickly back up the tree. All around you the graceful descent is repeated by other members of the flying squirrel's family. You also see a blue moonbeam and a rough timber cabin that has been burned halfway to the ground. Also here: Yvela. Obvious paths: northeast, west. Lenaea peers through the Moongate. Aaoskar peers through the Moongate. Arcane Deathslinger Trieo went through a blue Moongate. Dantia says to Taliciah, "There are always ways to help." Dantia peers through the Moongate. Taliciah peers through the Moongate. Eyst peers through the Moongate. Child of Grazhir Aaoskar went through a blue Moongate. Rejind peers through the Moongate. Dantia peers through the Moongate. Kaelie takes her rightful place beside Mazrian. Maintain peers through the Moongate. Lenaea says, "I'll be going there." Lenaea grins. Apothecary Eyst went through a blue Moongate. Carnage Darling Dantia's group went through a blue Moongate. Malykai went through a blue Moongate. Mazrian's group went through a blue Moongate. Lore Keeper Broichan went through a blue Moongate. War Healer Faedryl went through a blue Moongate. Charlatan Lenaea went through a blue Moongate. Evalaut smiles. Starsea peers through the Moongate. As you cross the Moongate's threshold you are drawn through to the other side... [Woodland Path, Dense Forest] A rustling sound draws your attention to a nearby tree trunk where a nocturnal squirrel clings to the bark. Suddenly letting go, it spreads its legs and glides silently to the ground where it grabs an unsuspecting beetle and scurries quickly back up the tree. All around you the graceful descent is repeated by other members of the flying squirrel's family. You also see a blue Moongate, a blue moonbeam and a rough timber cabin that has been burned halfway to the ground. Also here: Scholar Taliciah, Charlatan Lenaea, War Healer Faedryl, Lore Keeper Broichan, Yvela, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Mazrian, Malykai, Battle Empath Rejind, Carnage Darling Dantia, Apothecary Eyst, Child of Grazhir Aaoskar and Arcane Deathslinger Trieo. Obvious paths: northeast, west. Mazrian shakes his head. Eyst asks, "This is where it all began?" Valta Varna Mistanna came through a blue Moongate. Tutum just arrived. Yvela says, "Yes. In this wooded area." Mazrian says, "Can anyone Sanctuary? We are going to have a mess of cougars around soon." You say, "In all my days, I don't ever remember seeing this burned out cabin." Broichan nods to Mazrian. Evalaut says, "We could go to the tower just west of here." Evalaut taps a rough timber cabin that has been burned halfway to the ground. Aaoskar says, "Have we had anyone try to perceive history." Malykai says, "They mean to examine this place." Eyst says, "It's very out of the way unless their original intention was fur trapping." Mazrian says, "It's been here forever. For awhile, it was Cyiarriah's." Mazrian says, "Given to her when she retired, I believe, for services rendered to Zoluren." Evalaut says to Mazrian, "The Dragoons used it for quite a while." Mazrian nods. Lenaea says, "A bit sad to see it in this state." Lenaea frowns. Evalaut smiles at Lenaea. Evalaut rubs a rough timber cabin that has been burned halfway to the ground. Mazrian says, "It's a waste." Mazrian shakes his head. Mazrian says, "Perhaps some trapper will clean it up and rebuild." Broichan gazes about, drinking in his surroundings. Lenaea says, "Well, might as well get started." Yvela nods. Trieo nods. Lenaea gestures. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. Aaoskar nods. Evalaut blinks. Taliciah blinks. Dantia gnaws on her lip. Trieo blinks. Yvela frowns in thought. Evalaut casually observes the area. Drunvalo just arrived. Kasemir rubs his eyes. Saedrith just arrived. Lenaea's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air. Mazrian says, "That was...something." Mazrian blinks. Aaoskar says, "Teleologic sorcery is powerful." Lenaea gestures at Aaoskar. Color seeps from the world, leaving the area cloaked in monotone shadow except for a vivid purple glow that lingers around Aaoskar. The world rapidly resaturates with color, but you feel you just bore witness to something that was never meant to be. Taliciah says to Mazrian, "Yes." (Yvela tilts her head to one side, concentrating on something.) Eyst says, "Did... anything different happen? It's hard to tell from such a strange sensation." Trieo raises an eyebrow. Saedrith just arrived. Lenaea squints. Saedrith just arrived. Aaoskar says, "She used a spell to loosen the shackles of fate." Lenaea says, "And it didn't work." Evalaut casually observes the area. Evalaut asks Lenaea, "How do you know?" Evalaut gazes down at her hands. Taliciah frowns. Kheslyn just arrived. Mazrian says, "This is how we get umbral maguses." Malykai chuckles. Lenaea grins slowly. Aaoskar says, "No." Yvela chuckles. Lenaea gestures at Aaoskar. Color seeps from the world, leaving the area cloaked in monotone shadow except for a vivid purple glow that lingers around Aaoskar. The world rapidly resaturates with color, but you feel you just bore witness to something that was never meant to be. Mazrian rubs his head. Aaoskar says, "The way you get an umbral magus is to go into the microcosm and open up a window directly into the plane of probability from within the astral." Lenaea gazes up at the sky. Aaoskar mutters something into the air about trust me i know. Taliciah shivers. Evalaut scratches her head. Mistanna chuckles. Lenaea says to Mazrian, "This is why Rifkinn has trouble with him." Mazrian says, "While we wait. There have been four attacks so far. Each attack has been preceeded by a crackling energy felt all over the five provinces, and a feeling as though something sacrosanct had been broken." Mazrian nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views. Evalaut nods. Mazrian says, "The first attack was Gorbesh, Mammoths, and their battlespheres. That started out here, and eventually hit the NTR." Aaoskar says, "When we have our next attack, i plan on going into the astral plane and sitting at the pillar of convergence and see if i can feel anything there." Mazrian says, "The second landed in Rossman's Landing and the abandoned manor, then spread to the road to Theren." Lenaea says, "Tezirah's Veil is infused with Holy patterns. I wonder, if we continue to cast it, what will happen." Mazrian says, "The third was here, IN the crossing. The second and third involved Elpalzi from Sorrow's era." Mazrian says, "And S'lai." Lenaea gestures at Aaoskar. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. Evalaut nods at Mazrian, obviously agreeing with his views. Mazrian says, "And the fourth was also here, with the same opponents, including a company of Sorrow's Elpalzi soldiers." Malykai asks, "Whats next, Lyras?" Malykai smirks. Kheslyn just arrived. Aaoskar says, "You will keep augmenting fate." Lenaea's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air. Mazrian says, "The tactics different this latest time, as they did their best to try to draw us apart and force us to spread out." Dantia grumbles. Lenaea gestures. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. A spasm passes over Lenaea as her eyes drift about in an otherworldly motion. Mazrian says, "Just as the first attack began there was a portal.." Evalaut glances at Malykai. Evalaut just nudged Malykai. A spasm passes over Lenaea as her eyes drift about in an otherworldly motion. Evalaut holds a finger up to her lips. Mazrian says, "It opened only briefly, and I could hear the sounds of battle through it." Aaoskar says, "Did anyone try to go through it." Malykai grins at Evalaut. Aaoskar nods. Evalaut whispers something to Malykai. Evalaut winks at Malykai. Mazrian says, "It was too fast." Mazrian shakes his head. Yvela ponders. Mazrian says, "A commanding voice hollared "V has opened the way, get your people and prepare..." then it closed." Evalaut nods. Evalaut nods. Mazrian says, "And the Gorbesh were among us." Aaoskar says, "That is a good sign at least...i would be much more concerned if the opening had a much longer duration." Lenaea's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air. Mazrian nods at Aaoskar, obviously agreeing with his views. Yvela asks, "There've been green moongates, too. A signature of Sorrow's forces, I think?" Asteraceae just arrived. Evalaut blinks at Yvela. Evalaut asks, "Wah huh?" Puug just arrived. Evalaut asks, "Green?" Evalaut gazes up at the sky. Mazrian says, "Yes. Some of the Elpalzi deployed that way." Evalaut glances up at the sky. Lenaea gestures. The whole world, including yourself, pivots in quickly changing directions, seemingly centered around Lenaea who remains unmoved by the turmoil. When the stomach-turning radial shakiness halts, you notice she has tilted her head attentively, listening and nodding. Yvela nods to Evalaut. Carudet just arrived. Evalaut asks, "Is there a new moon I don't know about?" Evalaut grumbles. Malykai says to Evalaut, "Long before your time, daughter." Evalaut ponders. Evalaut scratches her head. Mistanna says to Evalaut, "Sorcery was used." Mazrian says, "All of the Gorbesh coming through had some sort of new magic on them, a spell we're calling Temporal Eddy." Broichan says, "I'd imagine that opening such a portal would expend quite a deal of energy, hopefully limiting what incursions they have and will be able to manage." Mazrian says, "And the Gorbesh mages could actually cast it." Aaoskar says, "Incidentally, there is a shrine that lets us travel back into time...to a time before the gorbesh destroyed the temple." Mazrian nods at Broichan, obviously agreeing with his views. Evalaut ponders. Evalaut asks, "An eddy? Like a soft spot in the water where they can sit?" Evalaut asks, "In time?" Tabish just arrived. Aaoskar nods to Evalaut. Evalaut asks, "Like to come here?" Evalaut squints. Mazrian says, "It's just a name. The spell itself fires when they're attacked, and often lets them...avoid...somehow...whatever that attack was." Evalaut ponders. Mazrian says, "Dispelling that spell helps a LOT in killing them." Yvela says, "They seem to flicker, like to allow the attack to pass through them." Loukhindal just arrived. Mazrian nods at Yvela, obviously agreeing with her views. Kaelie closes her eyes for a moment and grows still. Aaoskar says, "L." Malykai says, "Yes, I found Rend to open them up nicely to magical attacks." Lenaea asks, "Are they apparitions?" Evalaut says, "Thats because they're probably simultaneously existing in both time lines, if we are still on that ideology." Lenaea asks Aaoskar, "Yes?" Mazrian nods at Malykai, obviously agreeing with his views. Mazrian says, "They're definitely flesh and blood." Malykai nods in agreement. Aaoskar says, "Oh i am just itching to get back to some research." Dantia ponders. Dantia chuckles at Aaoskar. Lenaea says, "But possessed of some magic that makes them insubstantial, until the ward is broken." Evalaut ponders. Yvela nods. Mazrian says, "Only occasionally insubstantial. It's not a sure thing. Also, they are plenty substantial when they hit you." Mazrian dusts himself off. Lenaea says, "Perhaps it is so that they're not fully here and not fully there." Lenaea says, "Some temporal twilight." Mazrian nods to Lenaea. Faedryl closes his eyes for a moment and grows still. Mazrian says, "Perhaps. The Gorbesh Mages can actually cast that effect as a spell." Aaoskar says, "On a side theoretical note...what are the intersecting lines of the web of fate but the intersection of different possible time lines." Aaoskar shrugs. Lenaea ponders. Aaoskar says, "I wish i could stay longer, but there is another avenue of research that i must attend." Yvela nods to Aaoskar. Aaoskar waves. Child of Grazhir Aaoskar hobbles northeast. Mazrian nods. Lenaea says to Yvela, "I sense nothing abnormal in the flow of teleologic magic in this place." Yvela says, "There doesn't seem to be any signs here, anyway. At least not using this method." Yvela nods to Lenaea. Lenaea's eyes go distant as she quickly forms intricate patterns in the air. Lenaea gestures. The world about you jolts to a sudden stop. Light and shadows glide over the surroundings but nothing moves, nothing changes, nothing ages. The weight of millennia presses down on you, and you are overcome by a great ennui. ...and then the world moves on as if oblivious to what just happened. Evalaut asks, "Was this the first thought?" Dantia ponders. Yvela says, "It was. It may be too far removed for any traces of what happened here to remain." Lenaea nods. Lenaea says, "Too long." Dantia nods to Rejind. Yvela says, "Assuming there is another incident.. we can try again in the fresh area, perhaps." Lenaea says, "If they come again, and I suspect they will, I will make it a point to visit the site of their arrival,." Yvela nods to Lenaea. Eyst says, "There are other avenues of investigation." Mazrian nods. Puug just arrived. Mazrian says, "Someone will have to be attentive of where they first enter, then." Lenaea says, "Alright I'd best go make sure Kssarh doesn't turn Aaoskar into ash." Eyst says, "If we subscribe to the notion that someone is behind this, and that the recent experiments could have set the stage as it were.." Broichan says, "And there aren't any traces of emotion strong enough to evoke, either." Broichan gazes about, drinking in his surroundings. Evalaut blinks. Yvela nods to Broichan. Evalaut gazes off into the distance. Eyst says, "Then perhaps meeting with the researchers involved in those experiments might bear some fruit." Lenaea nods. Lenaea says, "I'll run to the crossing to open a gate." Mistanna waves. A fierce blue-white glare forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. When it subsides, a blue Moongate stands before you, rippling slightly. Faedryl peers through the Moongate. You peer through the Moongate... [The Crossing, Hodierna Way] The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum. The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name. A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside. You also see a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment. Also here: Charlatan Lenaea. Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest. Broichan peers through the Moongate. Mazrian peers through the Moongate. Eyst peers through the Moongate. Kheslyn just arrived. Scholar Taliciah went through a blue Moongate. Apothecary Eyst went through a blue Moongate. As you cross the Moongate's threshold you are drawn through to the other side... [The Crossing, Hodierna Way] The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum. The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name. A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside. You also see a blue Moongate, a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment. Also here: Apothecary Eyst, Scholar Taliciah, Lore Keeper Broichan, Evalaut, Malykai, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Mazrian, Arcane Deathslinger Trieo, Yvela and Charlatan Lenaea. Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest. War Healer Faedryl came through a blue Moongate. Malykai says to Lenaea, "Thank you." Lenaea nods to Malykai. Taliciah bows to Lenaea. Lenaea peers through the Moongate. Mazrian says to Eyst, "Perhaps. Perune would be a good contact, for the Elemental experiment." Yvela peers through the Moongate. You go east.