Ayrell/Logs/07122024/Wild Magic Research at Zengmodaleth

You run north. [Ker'Leor, Handsome Plateau] Trees give way to small tufts of grass and pockets of bright yellow dirdel. A tumbleweed leans against the trunk of a spreading oak, teetering once in a while as if attempting to get past. The greyish soil is dotted with some crystalline substance which gives off a slightly metallic odor. You also see a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Obvious paths: north, northeast, southeast, south.

Room Exits: go crackling ring

[Zengmodaleth, Ancillary Rear Containment] A complex web of copper piping appears to cover the walls and ceiling, branching and merging as it traverses the length of the room. The elastic ground appears to be composed of a darkly dyed fiber woven with strips of rubber. Rippling blue and green light crackles throughout the area, strange shadows dancing around and emerging from the portal entrance. You note the smell of ozone and lubricating solvents, and the warm air is extremely dry. You also see a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Also here: Citizen Miraeven who is emanating a bright holy aura, Supernova Vaerek, Keendra, Ruea, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Firehawk Casari, Niliaevat Raesh Isen Ezathiel, Sublime Mender Kerennya and Deadly Shadow Thanataar. Obvious exits: north. You smile. Kerennya says, "Bleh, bad mana." Ezathiel places his hands on his thighs and bows deeply at the waist towards you, holding the position for a moment before returning upright. Casari snaps to attention and hails you with a crisp hand salute. Ruea beams at you! What a warm feeling! Tirost smiles at you. Vaerek gestures. You curtsy gracefully to Ezathiel. Tirost bows to you. Ezathiel smiles at you. You smile at Tirost. Roughneck Rileos came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Kerennya waves to you. You hug Ruea who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of violets clings to her skin. You smile at Casari. Thanataar hugs Rileos, getting a smile in return. Ruea hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile. You wave to Kerennya. Rileos says, "Fancy meetin y'all in another plane of existence." Rileos's body is soaked. You curtsy gracefully to Tirost. Tirost smiles at Rileos. You chuckle at Rileos. Ezathiel chuckles at Rileos. Kerennya chuckles at Rileos. Ruea says, "Is that what it is? My hair doesn't like the static." Thanataar grins at Ruea. You nod at Ruea, in complete agreement with her views. Rileos says to Ruea, "It's fine, you look good in all realities, it's a cornerstone feature of reality existing." You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement. Ezerak smiles at you, revealing the dimples in his cheeks. Ezerak takes your hand and gently kisses the back of it. Ezerak hugs Rileos, getting a smile in return. You curtsy gracefully to Ezerak. Rileos screws his eyes shut and winces. Elemental Aegis Tekhelet came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Planesweaver Navesi came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Navesi smiles. Navesi nods politely. Ezerak hugs Navesi, getting a smile in return. You hug Navesi who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of copper clings to her skin. You say to Navesi, "I made it." Tirost says to Navesi, "You give right on time it's meaning, Navesi." You chuckle. Tirost smiles at Navesi. Navesi chortles softly at some secret joke. Ezathiel whispers something to Tirost. Kerennya smiles at Navesi. Tirost whispers something to Ezathiel. Ezathiel smiles at Tirost. Tirost gestures. Pilgrim Nawain came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Nawain takes her rightful place beside Tekhelet. Nawain beams in loving admiration at Tekhelet! Ezathiel pleasantly says to Tirost, "Thank you." Tirost says to Ezathiel, "Anytime." Songbird Mendira came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Navesi says to Rileos, "You've got a way with some lightning too I see." Tirost nods amiably at Tekhelet. Mendira smiles. Rileos looks at Navesi, obviously trying not to grin. You say, "As I, myself, have a tendency to be fashionably late, we will be waiting a few more moments for any last roisan arrivals before we begin." Rileos says to Navesi, "Only a little." Tirost says to Nawain, "Good to see you again, Nawain." Nawain beams at Tirost! Nawain waves to Tirost. You smile at Mendira. Mendira nods graciously at you, giving you a polite smile. Lady of the Watch Dantia came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Dantia touches Rileos with a confident grace. You smile at Dantia. Dantia touches Tirost with a confident grace. Thanataar pivots in Dantia's direction and salutes her with his glaes pasabas, bringing the weapon downwards in a precise, fluid movement. Dantia joins Tirost's group. Ruea just nudged Rileos. Tirost smiles at Dantia. Dantia touches Ruea with a confident grace. Thanataar joins Tirost's group. Dantia smiles at Tirost. Rileos leans on Ruea. Ruea praises Dantia. Miraeven kneels down. Tempest Knight Saragos came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Miraeven stands up. You smile at Saragos. Saragos joins your group. Ruea joins your group. Rileos joins your group. Miraeven joins your group. Casari joins your group. Philomath Miskton came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Ezathiel joins your group. Ezerak shakes Saragos's hand. Ezerak grins, revealing his dimples. Ezerak joins your group. Ruea says to Dantia, "You're much too kind to me." Ezerak waves to Dantia. Dantia smiles at Ruea. Miskton nods politely. Nawain gets a grusana kaft forged in viridian tursa from inside her slender rugursora. Nawain gets some burnt incense from inside her watersilk bag. Nawain strikes a piece of black flint against a grusana kaft forged in viridian tursa, causing a shower of sparks over the burnt incense which smolders, then bursts into flames. Dantia waves to Ezerak. Nawain waves some burnt incense over herself. A wisp of smoke settles around Nawain, surrounding her with the scent of smoke. You nod politely to Miskton. Nawain snuffs out her burnt incense. Dantia nods to Tirost. Nawain puts her kaft in her slender rugursora. Tirost joins your group. Nawain puts her incense in her watersilk bag. Kerennya waves to Miskton. Dantia joins your group. Nawain gets an ebonwood ritual vessel shaped like a hollow crow skull from inside her watersilk bag. Nawain sprinkles some holy water on herself. Nawain puts her vessel in her watersilk bag. Nawain takes a deep breath and then raises her hands, murmuring prayers under her breath. A strong white light fills her, exploding outward and blinding you momentarily. When the light fades Nawain is standing with head slightly bowed, looking exhausted but happy. Brilliant sparks of rutilant light dance around Dantia, bathing her in a warm glow. Miskton begins to listen to Tirost teach the Targeted Magic skill. Thanataar nods to Tirost. Mendira joins your group. Miskton joins your group. Dantia's unflinching fearlessness inspires you with an uncanny confidence. You smile. Vaerek puts his bowl in his surveyor's case. Kerennya joins your group. Dantia touches Ezerak with a confident grace. Thanataar joins your group. Dantia touches Saragos with a confident grace. Miskton's body is soaked. Dantia touches Navesi with a confident grace. Dantia touches you with a confident grace. You feel a warmth radiate from Dantia's touch. You have a brief sensation that leaves your wounds tingling. You are now prepared to cast the Air Blast cantrip. Water drips from Ruea's asini zills. You gesture, and a strong warm breeze swirls around Miskton quickly drying his body. Ezerak says to Dantia, "Thank you." Dantia smiles at Ezerak. You smile at Dantia. You say to Dantia, "Thank you." Dantia nods to you. Dantia says, "My pleasure." Rileos gets a long platinum-hued cigarillo printed with multicolored jewels from inside a velvet-lined gold cigarillo case. Rileos offers Ruea a long platinum-hued cigarillo printed with multicolored jewels. Navesi says, "Excuse me a few minutes while we wait on people." Navesi's eyes glaze over as she loses herself in a daydream. Dantia drums her fingers on her bucket rhythmically. After a moment, a dull *THUD* echoes from within the bucket. Rileos says to Ruea, "Figure we may as well break this place in proper." Tekhelet waggles his fingers mystically at Nawain. How nice. Nawain grins at Tekhelet. Ruea chuckles at Rileos. Tirost says to Saragos, "Been looking forward to this investigation for a while." Saragos says to Rileos, "Do not break this place." Saragos grunts at Rileos. Saragos nods to Tirost. Dantia chuckles at Saragos. You slide your hands down your Elven silk gown, smoothing out the fabric. Saragos says, "Let's hope that we're a bit more successful this time." Rileos says to Saragos, "I don't think I -can- break this place." Shavay came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. You nod at Saragos, in complete agreement with his views. Casari rubs her head. Rileos says to Saragos, "You got me wonderin now though." Rileos swears, "Ever shall I seek the horizon." Shavay assesses his combat situation. Casari says, "Someone remind me to invent a spell for ethereal earplugs." Tirost laughingly says to Rileos, "If anyone could..." Rileos casually observes the area. Rileos says to Tirost, "Tell me again how mana broke." Storm Weaver Hamuk's group came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Rileos looks at Tirost, obviously trying not to grin. Tirost laughs! Illiya waves. Dasheek waves. Hamuk gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer. Elurora quickly salutes Casari by bringing two fingers to her brow. Illiya says, "Evening everyone." Thanataar hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return. Hamuk says, "Sorry we're late, I lead the party." Ezathiel waves to Illiya. Kerennya waves to Elurora. Nawain waves to Illiya. Thanataar shakes Dasheek's hand. Thanataar gives Hamuk a brotherly hug, ruffling his hair with his knuckles. You smile at Hamuk. Hamuk bows to Navesi. Dasheek exclaims, "But the party has arrived!" Ezerak chuckles at Hamuk. Hamuk gives Thanataar a brotherly hug, rubbing his scalp with his knuckles. Kerennya puts on an acenite sea unicorn with a glittering tail of coralite. You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Dantia's fearlessness. Tirost smiles at Hamuk. Nawain lets out a hearty cheer for Dasheek! Hamuk smiles at Tirost. Hamuk shakes Tirost's hand. Tirost shakes Hamuk's hand. Hamuk bows to you. Ezathiel waves to Hamuk. You say to Hamuk, "It is alright. We are waiting a few more roisaen, just in case anyone else is running behind schedule." Nawain eagerly says, "Now we can break things properly." Hamuk grins at Ezathiel. Tirost says to Hamuk, "Glad you made it." Illiya nods to Dasheek. You extend your bared palms to Hamuk in wordless greeting. Hamuk places his palms over yours, completing the ritual. Illiya beams at Nawain! Ezathiel winks at Hamuk. Hamuk says to Ezathiel, "Ezzy! Good to see you." Mendira grins at Elurora. Elurora hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile. Elurora hugs Mendira, getting a smile in return. Illiya hugs you, and you give her a smile in return. Ezathiel beams at Hamuk! Dantia gestures. Hamuk smiles at Tirost. You hug Elurora who wraps her arms around you with a warm smile. A faint scent of honeysuckle clings to her skin. Mendira hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return. Illiya bobs a quick curtsy to Navesi. Mendira beams at Elurora! You hug Illiya who gives you a smile in return. A faint scent of strawberries clings to her skin. Illiya quietly says to Navesi, "Chief." Miraeven gets a mug of black coffee from inside his gravedigger's bag. Ezathiel pleasantly says to Hamuk, "Great! Came to get electrocuted." Miraeven shifts his weight. Miskton chuckles. Hamuk says to Tirost, "Thank you, I'm gad you made it as well." Rileos says to Ezathiel, "You're in the right place." Miraeven takes a sip of his coffee. Hamuk waves to Miskton. Thanataar shakes Shavay's hand. Hamuk grins at Ezathiel. Dantia touches Tirost with a confident grace. Tirost smiles. Hamuk waves to Rileos. Hamuk bows to Ezerak. Dantia nods to Tirost. Ezathiel grins at Rileos. Dasheek puts his poppet in his encompassing shadows. Hamuk lays his palms against Ezerak's in a quick, yet deliberate movement. Ezerak smiles at Hamuk, revealing the dimples in his cheeks. Shavay smiles. Harurs del Cawna Warbrolus came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Hamuk nods to Casari. Tirost smiles at Dantia. Dantia touches Warbrolus with a confident grace. Illiya rests her hand on Dasheek's arm with a soft smile. An almost visible connection between Illiya and Dasheek seems to thrum through the air. Warbrolus beams at Dantia! Warbrolus just hugged Dantia. Dantia grins at Warbrolus. Thanataar pivots in Warbrolus's direction and salutes him with his glaes pasabas, bringing the weapon downwards in a precise, fluid movement. Hamuk waves to Dantia. Tirost smiles at Warbrolus. Dantia smiles at Hamuk. Tirost raises his hand in a quick salute. Warbrolus beams at Tirost! The wounds afflicting Dasheek gradually fade, corresponding injuries blooming on Illiya's flesh. Warbrolus shakes Dasheek's hand. Hamuk smiles at Dantia. Dasheek shakes Warbrolus's hand. Rileos puts his cigarillo in a deep brown leather satchel with bronze-capped corners. Hamuk comes and stands near you. Mendira smiles at Ruea. Hamuk quietly says to you, "Nothing yet from the Guildleaders, unfortunately." Hamuk says to you, "Not even Melear." Hamuk smirks. You nod to Hamuk. You chuckle. Ruea shows Mendira her sungold earrings. Mendira beams at Ruea! Illiya says, "Don't worry everyone, if anything goes wrong I have a donkey costume and an Almarius marionette." Hamuk lets out a hearty cheer for Illiya! Nawain lets out a hearty cheer for Illiya! Casari nods to Illiya. Miskton grins at Illiya. Ruea beams at Mendira! (Ezathiel looks at Illiya with confusion.) Nawain moves over to guard Tekhelet. You say, "I think we should be alright to begin now. A few others may be on the way, but we should not delay much longer." Nawain nibbles on Tekhelet affectionately. Hamuk asks, "Do you we need to align Aether again?" Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes. Tekhelet rubs his neck. Elurora grins at Hamuk. Rileos slowly empties his lungs. You say, "Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us." Hamuk says to Elurora, "You know I hate it." Hamuk laughs! Elurora nods at Hamuk, obviously agreeing with his views. You smile. Ezathiel gazes at you. Mendira smiles at you. Elurora says to Hamuk, "I had noticed that." You say, "Before we begin tonight, I wanted to start by giving a brief overview of what our plan is for this gathering. To do that, I think it would also be beneficial for me to provide a brief explanation about why we chose this location and what its significance is to our ongoing research." Ezathiel hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return. Hamuk leans forward and rests his chin in his hand and directs a thoughtful expression at you. Ezathiel smiles at Elurora. Elurora hugs Ezathiel, who wraps his arms around Elurora with a warm smile. Elurora grins at Ezathiel. Elurora exclaims to Ezathiel, "I didn't see you there, I'm sorry!" Hamuk stands up. You say, "As you all know, we are currently standing in the Plane of Electricity, in an area known as Zengmodaleth - Gamgweth for "Lightning Grove." Access to this location was created through the joint efforts of Bards and Warrior Mages, along with many others, with the guidance and... chaperoning... of the Scholar of the Grove, Uryutis. The area was chosen, on the Handsome Plateau, because of the concentration of lightning in the area due to the proximity to the Suur Pillar." Hamuk shakes Saragos's hand. Ezerak waves to Elurora. Elurora grins at Ezerak. Elurora waves to Ezerak. Ezathiel grins at Elurora. Tirost searches around for a moment. Illiya scoffs at Ezathiel. Hamuk takes a seat. Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes. Ezathiel hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return. You say, "Because it holds significance to what we plan to do this evening, I would like to give a brief history of the Suur Pillar, for those who may not be familiar with it." Ezathiel grins at Illiya. Illiya grins at Ezathiel, her dimples flashing into view. Hamuk grins at you. You say, "There are two prominent theories about what the Suur Pillar is. The first involves the ancient legends that tell of a mythical obelisk that was formed by the hands of Meraud and Firulf themselves. It was shaped of the stone of the earth and the electricity of the skies. According to the legends, this obelisk was constructed high above Elanthia before it was hurled toward the planet. Where it struck the land, a crater was formed and the elemental power of the obelisk caused pure water from the Elemental Plane of Water to flow into this crater, later named by the gypsies: Laakmir." Shavay says, "No, it is not the source or suur wine." Hamuk gets a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts from inside his leucro hide pack. Nawain grins at Shavay. You say, "But the second theory - speaks of Firulf, the great God of Elemental Magic, and his mighty staff, formed of black marble and silver. The Agani Tayeu'a, possessed of immense Elemental powers, capable of hurling bolts of lightning with a thought. Benevolent as he is, Firulf would lend this staff to mortals who quested for knowledge, for - with the power the staff bestowed upon them - they would succeed in their quests, thus bringing enlightenment to the lands." Hamuk emphatically raps the tip of his marble staff upon the ground. You say, "The story of the obelisk, however, begins with a request made by the kind of a long forgotten kingdom who once kneeled upon the ground of his palace shrine to Firulf and prayed for his aid. According to the king, a fierce dragon from the seacaves beyond his kingdom had ravaged his lands, killing his people - the king's wife among them. His plea to Firulf was for aid in seeking a way to restore the dead to life, but first he needed to kill the dragon of the sea." Kaedan came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently. Hamuk stands up. Tirost nods. Navesi suddenly blinks and wakes up from her daydream. You say, "Firulf is said to have found the request worthy and granted Agani Tayeu'a to the king, bidding him to slay the dragon and take his quest for knowledge. But, unbeknownst to Firulf, the request had been a trick. Although the king did use the staff to destroy the dragon, he did not use the power to embark upon a quest for knowledge. Instead, he gathered his army and set out to conquer the neighboring kingdom - a peaceful land of Elotheans seeking knowledge - using the power of Agani Tayeu'a to crush his enemies and increase his own might." Mendira nods graciously at Kaedan, giving him a polite smile. Kaedan nods politely to Mendira. Nawain frowns. Kaedan gets a compact recliner upholstered in lapis bluefire velvet over an e'erdream frame from inside his traveler's pack. Kaedan settles into the compact recliner and reclines comfortably. Nawain exclaims, "Rude!" Kerennya mutters something into the air about bad king. Hamuk nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views. Illiya nods in agreement. You say, "Enraged by the affront, Firulf visited the kingdom in the form of a horned owl, and skewered the king with his beak. Reclaiming the staff, he then returned to his domain in the clouds where he gathered all his magic about him and hurled the Agani Tayeu'a to the earth below. Where it struck, a massive stone monolith is said to have risen as lightning from the skies bombarded it in an illuminating display of fireworks. The kingdom there was no more. Where once had been plains now stood mountains. And, where once the king's palace stood, was now a crystal lake." Ezathiel clucks his tongue and shakes his head. You say, "It is said that, to this day, the monolith still stands. And, encased within it, is the Staff of Firulf - the Agani Tayeu'a." Tirost folds his arms across his chest. You say, "So, what does this have to do with our endeavors this evening? Well, there are a few things. When the Suur Pillar was discovered, time had been unkind to it, with portions of the pillar having collapsed. The monolith was covered, in its entirety, in granite, requiring the quarriers to work carefully in removing the rubble. The air around it crackled with static and when one man touched it, he was struck by a bolt of lightning from the skies, despite the day being cloudless and clear." Ezathiel raises an eyebrow. Hamuk nods. Hamuk nods. You say, "The Researchers from the GCMH set out to study the monolith. By utilizing Othersight, they discovered that the obelisk appeared to open miniature gateways to the Elemental Plane of Electricity, from which it summoned powerful magics. Though, it is said that the pillar's unearthing led to an unfortunate side-effect in which it realized its true magical potential. Incredible magical storms soon raged about the pillar, wreaking havoc upon the surrounding lands." You say, "In the midst of the storms, beasts of lightning were brought to life, causing damage to the town of Fornsted. The GCMH attempted to contain the magical rampage, managing some level of success in restraining the power of the Suur Pillar. A magical barrier was erected around the monolith to keep the storm in check. The beasts were unable to be stopped, though the barrier did succeed in weakening them." Ezathiel whispers something to Illiya. You say, "This explains a bit about the area where the portal to Zengmodaleth was opened. It also touches a bit on the concept of Othersight - something we have attempted in the past, and intend to attempt again this evening. Before I go into detail on that, however, I will turn the floor over to Navesi to provide a bit more information about the experiment and events which led to our being able to stand here, in the incredible place we are now." You smile at Navesi. Illiya whispers something to Ezathiel. Ezathiel nods to Illiya. Navesi clears her throat. Tekhelet glances at Navesi. Navesi just tried to tug a firestorm samite coat shimmering with pale hues reminiscent of white-hot flames. Navesi yanks her black coat down, fixing the fit. Shavay gets a cup of Liani's special rum from inside a swirling eddy of incandescent light bound by a gold-striated coralite frame. Hamuk smiles at Navesi. Navesi says, "Today, I feel privileged to tell you about the events surrounding the opening of the Zengmodaleth, which I am honored to say I took part in myself." Shavay takes a sip of his rum. Ezathiel gazes at Navesi. Mendira smiles at Navesi. Navesi says, "If you would like the full details of this event, please look in the First Land Herald archives for the article entitled, 'Stunning Success of Elemental Experiment: A First Look at the Plane of Electricity,' dated 434-06-38." You smile at Navesi. Navesi says, "To summarize, at the time, we formed a group of Elemental scholars with an interest in Aether. In particular, we were interested in whether the Aetheric canvas of our world could be strengthened in order to keep out unwanted extraplanar beings, such as demons. We were dismayed that until that point, Arcane magic had been used to combat the demonic, and we thought that an Elemental solution could be had." Diva Iryta came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Warbrolus shakes his hair out. Iryta pants. Navesi beams at Iryta! Nawain waves to Iryta. Iryta grins sheepishly at Navesi. Iryta waves to Nawain. Tirost gazes thoughtfully at Navesi. Elurora wraps her arm around Iryta's shoulder in a friendly hug. Illiya smiles at Iryta, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Iryta wraps her arm around Elurora's shoulder in a friendly hug. Illiya nods to Dasheek. Navesi says, "With our tinkering, we managed to attract the attention of Grove Scholar Uryutis, whom we now know and love as the Gnome with a scholarly focus on Aether. With his guidance, we not only learned about Othersight -- the topic of Saragos's latest lecture, which you may also read up on if you missed it -- but we also took steps toward learning how to weave the threads of Aether in our plane in order to open the way to other planes." Iryta quietly says to Elurora, "Underestimated my own athletics. Thought that would take way longer." Navesi says, "Our first attempt resulted in what I now believe to have been a temporary portal to the Plane of Aether. You may read more about that in the First Land Herald article entitled 'Warrior Mages and Bards Create Aetheric Anomaly,' dated 433-09-25." Elurora quietly says to Iryta, "I follows Hamuk, he only lost us once or twice." Elurora winks at Hamuk. Navesi says, "In both that and our attempt at opening the portal you see here, we used Warrior Mages and Bards together to affect the natural weave of Aether in the area. For today I will focus on the attempt here, that created this portal." Hamuk grins at Elurora. Mendira gazes at Navesi. Illiya pats Hamuk on the back. Iryta looks at Elurora, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away. Navesi says, "We chose the location of the Handsome Plateau due to its proximity to the Suur Pillar, which, as Ayrell mentioned, legend says was formed by Meraud and Firulf Themselves. Researchers from the Gealeranendae College of Magical History studied this obelisk thoroughly and discovered it appears to open miniature gateways to the Plane of Electricity, summoning magical storms and the lightning cats known as seordmaor. Therefore we had strong reason to believe that our plane was 'close' to the Plane of Electricity in this spot, and it would be ideal for attempting to find a way through to it." Tekhelet shifts his weight. Navesi says, "Now, please allow me to quote from my article:." Navesi gets a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald" from inside her shimmering coat. Navesi carefully opens a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Navesi clears her throat. Ruea chuckles. Navesi says, "'Upon arrival, Perune and Saragos firmly planted two copper staves into the ground, to act as lightning rods, and Perune opened an enormous Electrical Fissure. Perune then divided the Warrior Mages into two groups standing to either side of the rods, with Bards attending each group. Everyone not an Elementalist was advised to stand well clear. He explained that the Warrior Mages would be using ritual foci to "pull back the natural weave of Aether surrounding the staves." In other words, as Aether is the canvas that allows the Abiding to be painted upon it, creating a hole in that Aether might allow for the widening of the Fissure and perhaps an entrance into the Plane of Electricity. Perune and Saragos would be weaving threads across the created breach in an attempt to keep everything stabilized. Bards would, as before, help guide the Warrior Mages with our unique sense of Aether, viewing the harmonics of the weave. Warrior Mages prepared by casting Grounding Field, while Bards cast Echoes of Aether.'." Hamuk gives Navesi a studious look, as if committing her to memory. Nawain leans back against Tekhelet with a loving smile. Tirost gestures. A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area. A wave of energy passes through, invisible except for the obscene ways the world stretches and pulls around you! Though it seemed as though Elanthia was going to rip itself apart, the wave passes without causing bodily harm. Miraeven collapses to the ground as the world seems to stretch and pull around him briefly. Nawain concentrates for several moments, a greedy expression on her face. A strong mana surge is abruptly erased from existence! Iryta winces. Navesi says, "'As we began our work, I noticed the familiar taste of copper in my mouth, as at previous experiments. A small arc of electricity crackled between the two staves. Energy pulsed again, my skin tingling, and with a loud zapping noise, a coil of electricity wound around one of the staves, arcing to the other. It was working.'." Dasheek winks at Illiya. Navesi says, "An enormous bolus of knotted lightning began to form. It struck out many times during the experiment, hitting several of those nearby." Hamuk winces. Navesi says, "'I heard a symphony of chaos emitted from the ball, a single undercurrent playing at the edge of my vocal range. Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply, raising my voice as I channeled more and more energy into my song. Everything went silent except for that single note, that one errant note that must be matched. I began to scream, pushing my voice to its extreme, forcing harmonic convergence. I sensed the note mingle with the frequency of the ball, correcting its instability. I willed the tone downward, balancing it. At long last, the bolus was nearly stable, and I let the note fade.'." Tirost nods to Navesi. Navesi says, "Everyone leaned into the task then, completing the stabilization together. Finally, the copper staves melted, and we found we had done it. We had created a stable portal into this plane." Illiya casually observes the area. Navesi says, "And that, you see, is how we are here. Ever since that day, this very portal has stood." Ezathiel slowly empties his lungs. Navesi gently closes a slender oak-bound volume incised with "The First Land Herald". Navesi puts her volume in her black coat. Navesi gazes at a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Dantia gives a slight nod. Iryta glances at a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Miraeven stands up. Navesi asks, "That is it from me. Time to move on, yes, Ayrell?" Navesi gets a copper rod affixed with coils of vibrantly pulsing electrified goldfyre from inside her liquor cabinet. Mendira smiles at Navesi. An electric light shines around Casari, pulsing and crackling in time with her song. You smile at Navesi. You nod to Navesi. Mother Jaelia came through a crackling ring of blue and green swirled lightning. Jaelia waves. You say, "As mentioned before, we will be making another attempt to utilize Othersight this evening, with a primary focus on the Olkan Rae Aldrus. I will lead us to where this experiment will take place, so for anyone who has not already joined me, please feel free to do so now. Once we arrive to our destination, we will turn the floor over to Saragos for further information and directives." Illiya hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Illiya with a warm smile. Navesi says, "And I'll offer a Zeng Tenra to anyone who'd like one. Lightning Heaven." Iryta waves to Jaelia. Kerennya waves to Jaelia. Iryta chortles softly at some secret joke. Thanataar hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Thanataar with a warm smile. Hamuk hugs Jaelia, who wraps her arms around Hamuk with a warm smile. Navesi twirls the copper rod through a complicated series of gestures. A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her left hand! Tirost smiles at Jaelia. Jaelia waves. Hamuk joins your group. Navesi moves a copper rod affixed with coils of vibrantly pulsing electrified goldfyre to her left hand. Navesi moves a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod to her right hand. Jaelia joins your group. Warbrolus joins your group. Miskton exclaims to Navesi, "I won't turn down that offer!" Navesi offers Hamuk a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Iryta joins your group. Hamuk grins at Navesi. Miskton nods politely to Jaelia. Navesi joins your group. Illiya joins your group. Elurora joins your group. Ezathiel nods to Navesi. Hamuk accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. Iryta grins at Navesi, her dimples flashing into view. Navesi twirls the copper rod through a complicated series of gestures. A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! Dasheek joins your group. Hamuk bows to Navesi. Vaerek joins your group. Dasheek nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views. Navesi offers Miskton a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Miskton accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. Iryta asks Navesi, "Do I ever say no?" Navesi twirls the copper rod through a complicated series of gestures. A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! Raising his glass of Zeng Tenra to Navesi, Miskton gives her a toast. Miskton takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Rileos asks Navesi, "Is that liquored?" Illiya asks Navesi, "May I?" Navesi offers Dasheek a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Hamuk moves a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts to his left hand. Hamuk moves a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod to his right hand. Raising his glass of Zeng Tenra to Navesi, Hamuk gives her a toast. Navesi says, "It is, Rileos." Dasheek accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. Rileos mumbles something unprintable. Navesi waves the copper rod through a simple series of gestures (showoff!). A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! You ask, "Has everyone joined with me who will be coming with us?" Tirost says to Navesi, "Would love one." Dasheek says, "Thanks." Kaedan stands up. Rileos says to Navesi, "Damnit." You smile. Iryta pats Rileos on the back. Kaedan puts his recliner in his traveler's pack. Navesi offers Iryta a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Saragos clears his throat. Kaedan joins your group. Iryta accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. Navesi says to Rileos, "Sorry." Shavay joins your group. Navesi twirls the copper rod through a simple series of gestures. A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! Nawain joins your group. Iryta lets out a hearty cheer for Navesi! Tekhelet joins your group. Miraeven takes a sip of his coffee. Raising her glass of Zeng Tenra to Navesi, Iryta gives her a toast. Navesi offers Illiya a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Illiya accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. You say, "We will be moving in 5." Iryta takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Rileos waves dismissively. Navesi asks, "Did I miss anyone who wants a drink?" Illiya quietly says to Navesi, "Thanks chief." Navesi gives Illiya a slight nod. Shavay takes a sip of his rum. Tirost nods to Navesi. You say, "Moving." You go north, leading your group. [Zengmodaleth, T-Junction] The piping appears to abruptly bend here, running south and east. A plaque made of polished oravir features a series of elemental symbols and a broad arrow pointing to the west, where the corridor appears to fade into a bright blue glow, the scent of oil thick in the air. At semi-regular intervals, a loud metallic groan echoes through the area, trailing off to a series of rapid pops and clicks. Navesi waves the copper rod through a complicated series of gestures. A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! You go east, leading your group. [Zengmodaleth, Elbow Bend] From the north, a thick structure of flattened framework is mounted above, and as it approaches the hallway bend, branches outward into hundreds of pipes that splay across the wall and ceiling. As the hallway continues, the piping runs through a series of access boxes, each encased in thick lead glass mounted on polished oravir hinges. Visible behind the plate glass are brilliantly coruscating bands of energy, pulsating as they stream across the interior of the access box. Sharp crackles and violent explosions can be heard to the north. You go north, leading your group. [Zengmodaleth, Olkan Rae Audrus] The corridor abruptly ends, and you find yourself surrounded by an ephemeral bubble of blue energy, affording a view of an unfathomably vast metallic vertical structure composed of equal parts metal lattice, dodecahedrons crackling with electricity, and rippling spikes composed of pure energy. Occasional errant whips of electricity soar outward from the structure and rake along the surface of the bubble, filling the area with blinding white light and a piercing whine that descends in tone as the incredible energy is shunted elsewhere. Though only briefly visible as jagged arcs and lingering visual artifacts, the widening of the bolts as they cross from the column to your location suggests that the structure is unfathomably distant. The bubble ripples and flexes with each strike, and you realize that the bolts are incredibly large. In the distance, beyond the structure, there is simply emptiness. Hamuk gasps! You smile. Planesweaver Navesi just arrived. Navesi joins your group. Navesi offers Tirost a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. You say to Saragos, "They are all yours." Tirost accepts Navesi's glass of Zeng Tenra. Ezathiel casually observes the area. (Casari covers her ears.) Tirost smiles at Navesi. Kaedan left the group. Navesi waves the copper rod through a simple series of gestures (showoff!). A rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod appears in her right hand! You smile at Saragos. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Tirost says to Navesi, "Thank you." Iryta casually observes the area. Navesi offers Saragos a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod. Ezerak nods at Casari, obviously agreeing with her views. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Navesi smiles at Tirost. Tirost takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Ezathiel whistles low. Hamuk gazes at a floating vessel of flaring crimson light. Dasheek points at a structure. Iryta's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Saragos nods. Navesi gazes about, drinking in her surroundings. Saragos slowly empties his lungs. Rileos gazes at the structure for a moment. Illiya takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Hamuk squints at a structure. Mendira's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Casari gazes at the structure for a moment. Hamuk pushes his spectacles up the bridge of his nose. Saragos says, "Here we stand at a place that sits at the intersection of multiple legends." Mendira blinks. Iryta asks Navesi, "Has evoke always felt so.. weird here?" Dasheek says, "Pretty sure my eyes blew out the last time I studied that.." Navesi says, "Bards, it is possible to evoke the history here." Mendira nods. Iryta rubs her hands together. Hamuk gives Saragos a studious look, as if committing him to memory. Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently. Navesi nods to Iryta. Shavay's eyes glaze over slightly as he seems momentarily unaware of his surroundings. Only moments pass before he snaps back to the present. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Mendira nods to Navesi. Miskton takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Iryta inhales a great swallow of air. Iryta slowly empties her lungs. Mendira's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Iryta's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Navesi's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. You nod to Dasheek. Saragos says, "Warrior Mages, enlist the services of an Empath before focusing on the structure." Casari's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Dasheek grins at Saragos. Dasheek leans on Illiya. Tirost nods to Saragos. Saragos says, "There is, as Ayrell mentioned, the legends of how the Suur Pillar came to be, and what its origins were. And whether it might literally be Firulf's staff embedded in the ground." Closing her eyes, Iryta goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting her teeth and wincing, Iryta falls to her knees, her arms hanging limply at her sides. Taking a steadying breath, Iryta raises her face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length. After a long moment, Iryta's ears begin to smoke, glowing veins illuminated around her head. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Iryta gasping in awe, bleeding from the ears. Illiya nods to Dasheek. Iryta says, "Whoa." Dasheek gazes at the structure for a moment. Navesi says, "Bards, it is also possible to -- ahem." Miraeven gazes at the structure for a moment. Nawain observes Iryta with fascination. Navesi pats Iryta on the back. Closing his eyes, Dasheek goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting his teeth and wincing, Dasheek falls to his knees, his arms hanging at his sides. Taking a steadying breath, Dasheek raises his face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length.

After a long moment, Dasheek's eyes begin to smoke, burning from within, as glowing veins illuminate his face. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Dasheek gasping in awe, and completely blind. Nawain pinches a portion of nemoih unguent from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood. Nawain rubs some of her nemoih unguent on Iryta. Nawain pinches a portion of lujeakave tonic from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood. Nawain rubs some of her lujeakave tonic on Iryta. Iryta says, "Neat." Mendira blinks at Iryta. Nawain pats Iryta on the back. Tekhelet just touched Iryta.

The wounds afflicting Dasheek gradually fade, corresponding injuries blooming on Illiya's flesh. Warbrolus gazes at the structure for a moment. Navesi says, "To focus on the structure, but be prepared for pain and Empathy." Shavay gazes about, drinking in his surroundings. Iryta wryly says, "I see why you offered us a drink, Navesi." Dantia nods to Tirost. Navesi nods to Iryta. Dantia touches Tirost with a confident grace. Casari says, "No thanks. Been there, done that." Illiya grins at Iryta, her dimples flashing into view. Navesi takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Tirost smiles at Dantia. Saragos says, "And in more modern times, as Navesi mentioned, research by Gaeleranendae College using Othersight revealed that the Pillar was opening miniature gateways to the Plane of Electricity. Which is one of the reasons why, when we discovered that our attempts to secure this plane using Aether was actually making a gateway to the Plane of Aether, we decided to make the attempt here in order to see if it would behave differently and teach us more of the process." Navesi nods to Casari. Shavay takes a sip of his rum. Closing his eyes, Tirost goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting his teeth and wincing, Tirost falls to his knees, his arms hanging at his sides. Taking a steadying breath, Tirost raises his face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length.

After a long moment, Tirost's eyes begin to smoke, burning from within, as glowing veins illuminate his face. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Tirost gasping in awe, and completely blind. Hamuk asks Saragos, "Should we...focus the structure now?" Dantia touches Tirost with a confident grace. Ezerak nods at Casari, obviously agreeing with her views. Iryta wobbles, looking a bit faint. The wounds afflicting Tirost gradually fade, corresponding injuries blooming on Dantia's flesh. Ruea flashes a quick grin at Rileos. Saragos says to Hamuk, "No, please." Iryta pats Tekhelet on the back. Nawain winces. Iryta pats Tekhelet on the back. Hamuk nods to Saragos. Ezerak says to Hamuk, "Depends on how much you like having eyes." Saragos grins at Hamuk. Navesi says to Hamuk, "I'd listen first, as you will be distracted by the structure." Iryta smirks at Navesi. Dasheek stands up. Hamuk nods. Illiya grins at Ezerak, her dimples flashing into view. Saragos says, "Now, let me speak of another legend. In the distant past, before, even the exploits of the Four, those who used magic other than Holy Magic were cast out of the clans. Elemental Mages left their homes and families and wandered the wilderness. They were scattered, and many died. However, many began seeing a great horned owl. Those that followed the owl reached a clearing in the forest and gathered there in fellowship." Miraeven reaches out toward a structure. Kerennya touches Iryta with a confident grace and familiar smile. Iryta smiles at Kerennya, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Dasheek says, "With the help of an empath, it only hurt like hell for a rois." Mendira gazes at Saragos. Hamuk nods to Saragos. Kerennya winks at Iryta. Kaedan's eyes glaze over slightly as he seems momentarily unaware of his surroundings. Only moments pass before he snaps back to the present. Saragos says, "I'll quote here from the histories. 'In the confusion of meeting, none noticed when the great owl disappeared, flying into the night on ghostly wings. Only much later did the confused and frightened people notice that the rock in the center of the clearing, once pure white stone, now bore a large black scar, shaped like an owl with wings outstretched. In the sky above, the Constellation of the Owl, sign of Firulf, God of Elemental Magic, burned brighter than ever before.'." Bookkeeper Parkons just arrived. Parkons joins your group. Shavay gazes at the structure for a moment. Dantia smiles at Parkons. Dantia touches Parkons with a confident grace. Saragos says, "That grove became known as Firulf's Grove, and it was the first time that Elemental Mages gathered together to study magic. The Place you now stand in is known as Zengmodaleth - Gamgweth for Lightning Grove. Is this place, with vast structures and a canopy of branching lightning above a version of that Grove of legend that we never dared imagine? Or perhaps Firulf's Grove itself stood with the obelisk known today as the Suur Pillar, the pillar being the stone the legends they say they gathered around." Parkons stands near Dantia. Dantia nods to Tirost. Jaelia gazes upward. Tirost smiles at Parkons. Tirost stands up. Saragos asks, "Is the Suur Pillar the true Agani Taueu'a, the staff of Firluf? Is this structure a reflection of that ruined obelisk on our plane, or even the other way around? Is this structure, the Olkan Rae Audrus, the Holder of Storms, the true Staff of Firulf?" Saragos says, "We know for sure only that this place is weighty with importance." Tirost grins at Dantia. Navesi nods to Saragos. Nawain gets a grusana kaft forged in viridian tursa from inside her slender rugursora. Nawain gets some burnt incense from inside her watersilk bag. Nawain strikes a piece of black flint against a grusana kaft forged in viridian tursa, causing a shower of sparks over the burnt incense which smolders, then bursts into flames. Saragos says, "We are on the Plane of Electricity, yet the we sense that the energy moving here wrestles back the void. Warrior Mages can sense the incredible power surging and moving through the system, to ends we cannot guess. Paladins have sensed a righteousness to its form. Clerics sense the raw magnitude of Firulf's power here. Bards have a sense of the ancient history of place, how it is old, but not older than songs. And even the Redeemed have said that they sense that the Demons want this place, and that it is slowly dimming over eons." Nawain waves some burnt incense over herself. A wisp of smoke settles around Nawain, surrounding her with the scent of smoke. Nawain snuffs out her burnt incense. Nawain puts her kaft in her slender rugursora. Nawain puts her incense in her watersilk bag. Nawain gets an ebonwood ritual vessel shaped like a hollow crow skull from inside her watersilk bag. Nawain sprinkles some holy water on herself. Nawain puts her vessel in her watersilk bag. Nawain takes a deep breath and then raises her hands, murmuring prayers under her breath. A strong white light fills her, exploding outward and blinding you momentarily. When the light fades Nawain is standing with head slightly bowed, looking exhausted but happy. Illiya gazes at the structure for a moment. Iryta takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. A pained expression crosses Saragos's face. Tirost nods. Closing his eyes, Shavay goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting his teeth and wincing, Shavay falls to his knees, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Taking a steadying breath, Shavay raises his face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length. After a long moment, Shavay's ears begin to smoke, glowing veins illuminated around his head. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Shavay gasping in awe, bleeding from the ears. Saragos says, "Uryutis asked the question, when we spoke at the discussion on Wild Magic, 'It may be worth noting an old philosophical debate with some parallels elsewhere - Is the observed bolt of lightning in Zengmodaleth Firulf's Staff, or is Firulf's Staff the observed bolt of lightning in Zengmodaleth? If you catch the difference in ordering as the relevant point.'." Kerennya touches Shavay with a confident grace and familiar smile. An almost visible connection between Kerennya and Shavay seems to thrum through the air.

Shavay shivers briefly as wounds and traces of battle abruptly vanish from his body.

Ezathiel furrows his brow. Hamuk nods to Saragos. Illiya ponders. Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Saragos. Navesi takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Tirost takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Saragos says, "And then, 'So, whether we view the world sized lightning in Zengmodaleth to be the inspiration for Firulf, or vice-versa may affect the solutions we look to in rectifying these imbalances, and indeed, what homeostasis may even look like.'." Iryta ponders. Shavay stands up. Iryta takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Rileos strokes his mustache in thoughtful contemplation. Saragos says, "Regardless of anything else, despite the fact that we do not know how this place was made, or what purpose it surves, we know that this place is cosmologically significant. It is also not on the Plane of Abiding, which makes it a good vantage point for observation. Perhaps by observing the flows of energy we might gain insight on the disruption of the replenishment cycle of Elemental mana that many mages have sensed. Perhaps even, if we can sense the snarls like we did on the Plane of Abiding, we might learn more about the mysteries of this place - if the mana here does not blind us." Tekhelet gets a distant look on his face. Ruea glances at Rileos. Ruea shakes her head at Rileos. Ezerak grins at Ruea, his dimples flashing into view. Casari says, "Or deafen us." Illiya nods to Saragos. Hamuk says, "Or reduce us to messy bits." Hamuk nods. Illiya grins, revealing her dimples. Saragos says to Casari, "Or that. Our senses do process this place differently due to our training." Saragos nods to Casari. Thanataar chuckles at Hamuk. Keendra just arrived. Shavay says, "Good place to train arcana." Navesi gazes about, drinking in her surroundings. Shavay chuckles. Iryta grins at Shavay, her dimples flashing into view. Rileos looks at Ruea, obviously trying not to grin. Iryta says to Shavay, "For real." Ruea fixes Rileos with a serene, lofty stare. Mendira's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Saragos says, "With the significance of this place in mind, and also the immense power, I think we are ready to try to see if we can gaze about with Othersight." Shavay says, "As long as you don't mind the severe kick to the ego." Saragos glances at you. Keendra joins your group. Tekhelet nods. Hamuk just kissed a gold ring engraved with daisies! You nod to Saragos. You smile at Saragos. Hamuk gazes upward. Tirost takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Miraeven reaches out toward a structure. Ezathiel shifts his weight. Iryta takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Casari takes a seat near a structure. Illiya gazes at the structure for a moment. Iryta gazes at the structure for a moment. Navesi takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Shavay takes a sip of his rum. Dasheek gazes at the structure for a moment. Miraeven kneels down. Saragos says, "Elementalists who wish to attempt, I would suggest Substratum, Aether Cloak, and Echoes of Aether, if you can cast them. For Warrior Mages, an alignment to Aether." Saragos says, "You may make your preparations now." Miraeven continues praying. Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Substratum spell. Hamuk takes a seat. Hamuk puts his Zeng Tenra in his leucro hide pack. Ezathiel casually observes the area. Navesi says, "Now may also be a good time to focus on the structure, get your sense of it, and be healed." Kaedan weaves delicate lines of light into a spiraling web, which resonate with the sound of his invocations. You decipher the telltale signs of the Echoes of Aether spell. Hamuk sits down and closes his eyes, taking on a meditative pose. You could almost swear Hamuk's form flickered for a fraction of a second. Odd. Navesi traces a curving sigil in the air. You gesture. You contribute your harnessed streams to increase the pattern's potential. Focusing on the aethereal plane you draw out thin lines forming a grid that surrounds you at arms length. The lines quickly fade from sight, but you still feel very aware of their position. Navesi puts her Zeng Tenra in her canvas rucksack. Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air. Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Aether Cloak spell. Rileos glances at Navesi. Saragos quietly says to Dantia, "You might want to make preparations for our heads melting or something." Ruea chuckles. You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Dantia's fearlessness. Rileos shrugs. Saragos gestures. A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away. Ruea says, "That's encouraging.." Navesi puts her rod in her canvas rucksack. Tirost traces a geometric sigil in the air. You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Substratum spell. Hamuk smiles serenely as he folds his staff across his lap and closes his eyes. Illiya says, "I can help if anyone needs healing." Casari appears to be listening intently for something. Tekhelet nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views. Tirost gestures. A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away. Mendira traces a geometric sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Echoes of Aether spell Saragos gestures. Saragos's eyes darken a shade. Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air. Hamuk slowly empties his lungs. Tirost grins at Saragos. Tiny tendrils of lightning begin to jolt between Hamuk's hands as he utters a few magical words! You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Substratum spell Navesi takes a sip of her Zeng Tenra. Closing his eyes, Kaedan goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting his teeth and wincing, Kaedan falls to his knees, his arms hanging limply at his sides. Taking a steadying breath, Kaedan raises his face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length. After a long moment, Kaedan's ears begin to smoke, glowing veins illuminated around his head. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Kaedan gasping in awe, bleeding from the ears. Kerennya touches Kaedan with a confident grace and familiar smile. An almost visible connection between Kerennya and Kaedan seems to thrum through the air.

Kaedan shivers briefly as wounds and traces of battle abruptly vanish from his body.

Kerennya exhales slowly as corresponding wounds bloom on her flesh. Hamuk gestures. A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away. Thanataar says, "I can't help with anything magickey but can try and make sure nothin gets ta any of yas while yer doin yer study." Mendira sweeps her sunburst in front of her in quick, methodical swings. Kerennya works carefully at tending her wounded head. Iryta says, "Done that once, head has decided not to try that again methinks." Kerennya seems to glow with an inner light, trailing rutilant sparks with every movement. Hamuk smiles at Thanataar. Saragos glances at Kaedan. Dantia grins at Thanataar. Iryta's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present. Shavay blinks. Tekhelet glances at Nawain. You notice Hamuk attempting to conceal his spell preparations. Tiny tendrils of lightning begin to jolt between Hamuk's hands as he utters a few magical words! You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Aether Cloak spell. Saragos says, "That's what happens when you focus your magical senses directly on it." Tirost puts his Zeng Tenra in his sling bag. Saragos grins at Kaedan. Shavay asks, "Were... were my ears bleeding?" Iryta nods to Shavay. Tirost draws forth a haralun greatsword. Hamuk gestures. Hamuk's eyes darken a shade. Tirost gets a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod from inside his sling bag. Shavay says, "Yeesh." Tekhelet smiles at Nawain. Kerennya says to Shavay, "Yep, before I healed you." Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently. Iryta puts her Zeng Tenra in her messenger's satchel. Hamuk stands up. Hamuk gazes off into the distance. Warbrolus quietly says, "Please touch the vessel if at any point you feel drained of vitality." Mendira clears her throat. Warbrolus gestures at a floating vessel of flaring crimson light. Shavay says, "Intense." Rileos slowly empties his lungs. Saragos nods to Warbrolus. Tirost nods to Warbrolus. Illiya grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view. Mendira puts her sunburst in her leather pack. Iryta nods to Navesi. Rileos says, "That thing is spooky." Saragos says to Warbrolus, "Thanks." Hamuk asks, "Could I get someone to watch my wounds while I focus on the structure?" Tirost grins at Rileos. Warbrolus smiles at Saragos. Hamuk smiles. Tekhelet inhales a great swallow of air. Navesi nods to Iryta. Kerennya says, "Sure, Hamuk." Tekhelet slowly empties his lungs. Iryta casually observes the area. Shavay asks, "Watch them do what?" Saragos says, "And thank you for Empaths who have agreed to stand watch over us." Hamuk bows to Kerennya. Closing his eyes, Hamuk goes quiet a moment, and suddenly grunts in pain! Gritting his teeth and wincing, Hamuk falls to his knees, his arms hanging at his sides. Taking a steadying breath, Hamuk raises his face to the distant structure, scanning up and down its length.

After a long moment, Hamuk's eyes begin to smoke, burning from within, as glowing veins illuminate his face. Suddenly, the light extinguishes, leaving Hamuk gasping in awe, and completely blind. Illiya lays her hand on Warbrolus's arm. Kerennya smiles at Hamuk. Hamuk gasps! Mendira begins chortling at Shavay. Warbrolus looks healthier and Illiya appears to weaken. Warbrolus beams at Illiya! Iryta nods to Navesi. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Tirost gestures. Tirost's eyes darken a shade. Dasheek puts his Zeng Tenra in his encompassing shadows. Iryta inhales a great swallow of air. Ezerak says, "That looks so awful." Shavay says, "Wow, popped your eyes like grapes." Ezerak chuckles. Rileos nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views. Iryta shudders. Saragos says, "We will try something similar to what we've tried before. Hopefully the huge amount of power flowing here will make it easier to turn our senses and get in touch with the Aetheric layer that it sits on." Iryta just nudged Shavay. Rileos says to Ezerak, "I ain't never been so happy in all my life to not be an elemental mage." Kerennya touches Hamuk with a confident grace and familiar smile. An almost visible connection between Kerennya and Hamuk seems to thrum through the air.

Hamuk shivers briefly as wounds and traces of battle abruptly vanish from his body.

Kerennya exhales slowly as corresponding wounds bloom on her flesh. Thanataar sheathes his glaes pasabas. Hamuk says, "It's...beautiful." Thanataar draws forth a blazing indurium meteor hammer tied with a pair of burning goldfyre dragon fists. Kerennya works carefully at tending her wounded right eye. Hamuk coughs. Tirost says to Ezerak, "It's extremely painful... but also, insightful." A tear runs down Hamuk's face. Ezerak nods to Tirost. Saragos says, "If this doesn't work, well, we'll probably want to beg the experts for assistance." Saragos grins crookedly. Mendira gazes at Hamuk. Saragos nods to Hamuk. Iryta says, "Most insight comes at that price." Rileos chuckles. You nod at Saragos, in complete agreement with his views. Dasheek takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Kerennya says, "That was wild." Tirost nods to Iryta. Iryta rubs her head. Kerennya grins at Hamuk. You chuckle. Hamuk makes a wheezing sound. Hamuk nods to Kerennya. Hamuk stands up. Shavay asks, "Was this structure always here?" Dasheek says, "Nah, it was here way before things got wild." Hamuk stands near Kerennya. Hamuk bows to Kerennya. Tiny tendrils of lightning jolt between your hands as you prepare the Aether Cloak spell. Shavay says, "Not sure how I could have missed it, previously." Iryta says, "Was the last time I was here." Kerennya grins at Hamuk. Hamuk says to Kerennya, "Thank you." You gesture. Everything seems to darken, and you feel slightly colder as a cloak of aether folds itself possessively about you. Saragos says to Shavay, "Since we opened the portal to come here, the structure has always been here." Shavay shivers. Kerennya says to Hamuk, "You are very welcome." Miraeven gazes at the structure for a moment. Hamuk says, "I'm...glad I heeded the warnings on my first trip here." Middler just arrived. Tirost smiles at Kerennya. Hamuk wobbles, looking a bit faint. Rileos absently twirls the tips of his mustache between his fingers. Saragos says, "None of us can speak to how long it has been here, other than Bardic senses giving us the idea that it is incredibly old, but not older than songs." Iryta gazes at the structure for a moment. Hamuk shakes his head. Iryta reaches out toward a structure. Hamuk rubs his eyes. Navesi nods to Saragos. Hamuk puts his spectacles in his swordsman's cloak. Hamuk stares blankly into the distance. Hamuk shudders. Miraeven reaches out toward a structure. Elurora pats Hamuk on the back. Tirost asks Saragos, "Do you believe it has any relationship to the fabled Fount of Creation?" Hamuk smiles at Elurora. Miraeven stands up. Shavay asks, "The Empath spell?" Miraeven reaches out toward a structure. Saragos says, "I'm also given mind to how Bardic research into Wild Magic brings to mind a plan from the distant past." Illiya gazes at the structure for a moment. Navesi says to Tirost, "Clerics have not had a sense of the Fount here, though that doesn't rule it out entirely." Tirost nods to Navesi. Dasheek nods to Illiya. Nawain leans back against Tekhelet with a loving smile. Navesi says, "My personal wild theory is that this structure harnesses the power of this Plane in order to power the Bulwark." Saragos says to Tirost, "Possibly. We've also theorized that it may underpin the Bulwark." Tirost nods to Saragos. Dantia quietly says to Shavay, "The Empath spell is Fountain of Creation, which allows us to heal all of our wounds in a single cast. Unrelated, as far as I know, to the Fount of Creation." Hamuk raises an eyebrow in Navesi's direction. Illiya asks, "Is it possible the structure is the Staff of Firulf?" Miraeven takes a sip of his coffee. Hamuk glances at a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts. Navesi says to Hamuk, "I can explain in more detail later if you like. But it fits all the evidence I've seen." Hamuk glances at a structure. Iryta glances at Illiya. Navesi nods to Illiya. Miraeven takes a seat. Miraeven inhales a great swallow of air. Miraeven slowly empties his lungs. Hamuk nods to Navesi. Navesi says to Illiya, "Yes, that is one of the major questions at hand. It could be the Staff, or it could have inspired our notion of the Staff." Tirost says to Navesi, "Wouldn't mind hearing you speak on that subject if you're ever willing." Hamuk says to Navesi, "I am woefully uninformed about the Bulwark, but I'd love to hear about it." Navesi nods to Tirost. Saragos says, "Let me read to you an account a Paladin had when focusing on the structure." Navesi says to Tirost, "Certainly." Tirost smiles at Navesi. Illiya nods to Navesi. Saragos says, "'I closed my eyes, and as I focused, my magical senses resonated faintly with an odd tingling sensation. I gasped as I begia to comprehend a vast alignment, masterfully ordered, though strangely neither Holy nor Profane. As I witnessed the structure shift and rearrange, I marveled at such a creation without Their Grace. It was bizarre, though there was a righteousness to its form.'." Saragos says, "That made us wonder if it were connected to the Bulwark." Hamuk leans on Elurora. Elurora grins at Hamuk. Saragos asks, "Does anyone need more time to prepare?" Navesi says, "The sense I get from evoking the area also reminds me of the Bulwark." Dasheek looks at Illiya and shrugs. Hamuk smiles at Elurora. Tirost puts his Zeng Tenra in his sling bag. Elurora leans on Hamuk. Rileos frowns. Elurora looks at Hamuk, obviously trying not to grin. Ezathiel touches Rileos and smiles, an odd but eager glint in his eyes. Navesi says, "I see an unending chain of master and apprentice, creating. And as part of that, I see them designing the parameters of the cosmos." Hamuk gets a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod from inside his leucro hide pack. Tirost nods to Navesi. Hamuk takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Hamuk takes a sip of his Zeng Tenra. Hamuk licks his lips. Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air. Navesi says, "Perhaps working through Firulf, they are literally helping to write the rules that the Bulwark enforces." Hamuk growls low in the back of his throat. Hamuk nods. Hamuk puts his Zeng Tenra in his leucro hide pack. Iryta asks Navesi, "Last time I saw something like that, all anyone could do was ask how drunk was I?" Tirost says to Navesi, "It does seem like a source of power for... something." Navesi flashes a quick grin at Iryta. Hamuk puts his staff in his leucro hide pack. Saragos grins at Iryta. Hamuk ponders. Hamuk gets a slender black marble staff inlaid with a pattern of jagged silver lightning bolts from inside his leucro hide pack. Hamuk nods. Tirost gets a rounded glass of electric-blue Zeng Tenra served with a copper stirring rod from inside his sling bag. Iryta says to Saragos, "The answer was yes, by the way." Hamuk says, "Ready as I'll ever be." Navesi says to Iryta, "The trick is to do it at scholarly conventions. Then everyone thinks you've just got a brilliant new theory." Navesi winks at Iryta. Saragos says, "Ok, elementalists. Let us kneel down and make ourselves comfortable." Several of the charms on your anklet flare brightly for a moment, a sense of peace and restfulness spreading through you to ease your mental fatigue. Saragos takes a seat. Iryta holds her hand out towards Navesi for a highfive. Miskton grins at Navesi. Tirost puts his Zeng Tenra in his sling bag. Tirost settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes. Navesi and Iryta highfive each other. You kneel down upon the ground. Tekhelet takes a seat near Nawain. Hamuk kneels down. Ezerak ponders. Dasheek gestures, and a smooth eruption of rock rises from the ground with a low rumble, shifting and flowing fluidly before settling into a seat of stone. He walks over to it and sits down. You feel fully attuned to the mana streams again. Rileos runs his fingers through his hair. Casari nods to Saragos. Ezerak moves over to guard you. Hamuk leans forward on his marble staff, listening intently. Thanataar moves over to guard Tirost. Tekhelet clears his throat. Dasheek gestures, and a smooth eruption of rock rises from the ground with a low rumble, shifting and flowing fluidly before settling into a seat of stone. Dasheek gestures for Illiya to have a seat. Iryta slowly empties her lungs. Illiya settles onto the stone seat with a satisfied sigh. Hamuk smiles at Dasheek. (Tekhelet takes a meditative position, hands in his lap) Saragos says, "Let us begin by clearing our minds and our senses. There are many things going on here, many people. Close your eyes, and visualize them, all there, here in this room." You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Tirost's fearlessness. Kaedan gets a compact recliner upholstered in lapis bluefire velvet over an e'erdream frame from inside his traveler's pack. Kaedan settles into the compact recliner and reclines comfortably. Ezathiel softly says, "Anyone else going to need the services of an empath? I am available." Nawain takes a seat near Tekhelet. Navesi lets out a long, contemplative breath. You take in a great breath of air. You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. Kaedan settles back, straightening his back and folding his legs together into a comfortable position. He closes his eyes and seems to grow very calm. (Iryta rubs her palms down to her knees and settles them there, breathing quietly and deeply.) Navesi says, "Empaths, feel free to link me if you'd like to sense what I am doing." Hamuk smiles softly and closes his eyes, arms spread out to his sides. (Tirost's elbow rests on the hilt of a haralun sword, his eyes closed, as he meditates, opening his senses.) Illiya lays her hand on Navesi's arm. Ezathiel touches Navesi and smiles, an odd but eager glint in his eyes. An almost visible connection between Ezathiel and Navesi seems to thrum through the air. Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air. Casari appears to be listening intently for something. Miraeven casually observes the area. Kaedan continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply. Hamuk slowly empties his lungs. (Tekhelet breathes calmly and deeply, still as a rock) Saragos says, "Breathe in and out, and be mindful of your breaths. Slowly remove the distractions from your image of this place. The crackling of the lightning, the bubble of energy surrounding us, the metal corridor behind us." You take in a great breath of air. Iryta breathes almost without making a sound. Navesi lets out a long, contemplative breath. Kerennya inhales a great swallow of air. Hamuk inhales a great swallow of air. You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. Iryta slowly empties her lungs. Mendira settles back, straightening her back and folding her legs together into a comfortable position. She closes her eyes and seems to grow very calm. Hamuk slowly empties his lungs. Kaedan continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply. (Thanataar scans the entire surroundings alert for any possible threats) Kerennya closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration. Miraeven stands up. Nawain chants a quiet mantra to herself a few times. Hamuk settles into a comfortable position and closes his eyes. Mendira continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply. Kaedan opens his eyes and gazes around the area, looking focused and refreshed. You take in a great breath of air. You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs. Saragos says, "One by one, subtract, subtract, subtract. Breathe in and out, with everything disappearing, save my voice, and the pulsating energy." Shavay inhales a great swallow of air. Shavay slowly empties his lungs. You continue to feel an uncanny confidence, bolstered by Dantia's fearlessness. Mendira continues to quietly sit in place, breathing deeply.