Ayrell/Logs/Wild Magic 08152024/Asildu Attends Diplomacy Approach to the Heralds
[Arhat's Tower, Workshop]
Very little is recognizable from the workshop's original contents. The walls are broken off at half their intended height and the area lies open to the elements. The only obvious sign of the room's prior function, odd glowing stains marking the floor, are most likely the result of past experiments gone awry. You also see a pink-eared white piglet with a bright yellow shirt stitched with a chaotic rainbow of daisies on it, a large fire, a red moonbeam, a lissome russet panther with rivulets of azure rippling through its fur that is sitting, a pink-checked cotton cloth with several things on it and a blue polka-dot cloth with several things on it.
Also here: Medir, Mageling Aerilia, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Esotericist Eyst, Ezathiel, Sclerotia, Knight of Meraud Tirost who has a stony visage, Sofina, Cateress Allye who is haloed by ethereal lotus and gladiolus blooms dancing in a gentle breeze, Lexxa, Life Weaver Ysilda, Sir Madigan, Veteran Apprentice Anuril who has a fiery visage, Heart Tender Kethrai, Firehawk Casari, Vaerek who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Sublime Mender Kerennya, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Roughneck Rileos, Lady of Frostbite Siendra who is camouflaged in a swirling fog of frigid arctic currents, Friar Gragnel, Tempest Knight Saragos who is sitting and Doctor of Kittens Sukidesu who is surrounded by six playful cats bounding around.
Obvious paths: down.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ruea just arrived.
Madigan joins Crobin's group.
Ruea waves.
Madigan grins at Crobin.
Maraisel smiles at Tirost.
Rileos flashes a quick grin at Ruea.
Ezerak waves to Ruea.
Anuril whispers something to Kethrai.
Ezathiel gestures.
Ezerak just hugged Ruea.
Crobin just hugged Ruea.
Elurora bows to Ruea.
Ruea says, "Hello everyone, thank you for waiting for me."
Saragos gets a dashing black double-breasted greatcoat with a high collar from inside a crackling eddy of seething blue light arcing from a lumium torus.
Maraisel just hugged Ruea.
Madigan moves into position to block attacks against Crobin!
Saragos slips into a dashing black double-breasted greatcoat with a high collar.
Madigan bows to Ruea.
Waydren fades into view.
Gragnel says to Elurora, "Oh, my. That is much better."
Saragos puts his cigarillo in his black greatcoat.
Ezathiel smiles at Ruea.
Ruea just hugged Maraisel.
Waydren bows to Ruea.
Gragnel says to Elurora, "Oh, my. That is much better."
Ruea curtsies to Elurora.
Ruea curtsies.
Elurora says to Gragnel, "Hopefully after a little bit, you'll feel your toes again."
Gragnel puts his sandals in his bag.
Rileos says to Saragos, "That's a nice coat."
Mathematician Avrenka just arrived.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Elurora moves a cup of honeyed milk to her right hand.
Gragnel rubs some glossy black leather boots lined in soft wool.
Elurora takes a sip of her milk.
Avrenka waves.
Kethrai whispers something to Anuril.
Avrenka puts his whistle in his black backpack.
Leayne nods to Crobin.
Ruea asks, "Alright my darlings, can we chat a bit before we get started?"
Gragnel says to Elurora, "I'll give a special prayer to Damaris that you have pleasent dreams."
Tirost nods to Crobin.
Gragnel nods.
Elurora smiles at Gragnel.
Ezathiel gazes at Ruea.
Elurora quietly says to Gragnel, "That is kind of you, thank you."
Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Ruea.
Sir Madigan goes down.
Kerennya takes a sip of her tea.
Alshabi Kamisama just arrived.
Tirost joins Crobin's group.
Kerennya takes a sip of her tea.
Elurora takes a sip of her milk.
Leayne smiles at Kamisama, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
Medir lets out a loud "Huzzah!" for Kamisama!
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ruea says, "I want to thank Ezerak, Madigan, and Saragos for agreeing to cooperate with tonight's event, I know we all want some decisive action but I would feel remiss if we didn't explore all options."
Ruea smiles.
Sir Madigan just arrived.
Ezerak nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Elurora gazes at Ruea.
Tirost nods to Ruea.
Siendra pets her russet panther.
Ezerak quietly says, "It is as Ayrell would do, if she were here."
Madigan says, "I have a banner in the room that is down from here in case we need to rally there."
Ruea says, "Tonight we will be attempting a peaceful conversation with those who have taken our friends."
Ruea nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Maelshyve's Bane Brisknite just arrived.
Saragos nods to Madigan.
Rileos nods to Madigan.
Vaerek grins at Madigan.
Madigan says to Ruea, "And, of course. We are all grateful for your efforts Ruea."
Leayne stands near Crobin.
Tirost nods to Madigan.
Madigan smiles at Ruea.
Ruea says, "I would, with all the love in my heart, ask that if you cannot stay calm and keep a level head tonight that you remove yourself from the event."
Brisknite says, "Evening."
Crobin just tried to take Madigan's hand, but he politely pulled away.
You hear a voice say to Ruea, "Wise consideratios."
Elurora nods to Ruea.
Saragos searches around for a moment.
Ruea says, "With that said, I am going to ask that you all help me by doing two to three waves of gathering mana as we did in the previous tests."
Mathematician Avrenka goes down.
Ruea says, "My intention is to... wave at them."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Sukidesu nods to Ruea.
Aerilia tilts her head to one side.
Ruea says, "We aren't trying to anger anyone, just get their attention."
Brisknite grins at Ruea.
Ruea says, "Once we've done that, I'll speak in an attempt to reach them. I may look like I'm doing a seance but we'll see how it goes."
Ruea smiles.
Knight Penitent Briaen just arrived.
Elurora gives Ruea a slight nod.
Tirost nods to Briaen.
Ezathiel nods to Ruea.
Briaen gives a gracious nod.
Miraeven stands up.
Ruea asks, "Does anyone have any questions?"
Rileos nods to Briaen.
Crobin waves to Briaen.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Tirost shakes his head at Ruea.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Mathematician Avrenka just arrived.
Elurora asks, "Would you like us to join you for the attempt?"
Ezathiel shakes his head.
Medir takes a sip of his icebock.
Kethrai quietly says, "If anybody fries your nerves, just speak up, plenty of us can help..."
You hear a voice say, "None, Pack Leader."
Allye nods to Kethrai.
Saragos chuckles.
Ezerak says, "We have also invited Asildu to assist our attempts, if he decides to join us."
Bookkeeper Parkons just arrived.
Saragos nods to Brisknite.
Gragnel stands near Elurora.
Brisknite just hugged Saragos.
Leayne smiles at Parkons, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
Elurora stands near Gragnel.
Madigan smiles at Parkons.
Elurora takes a sip of her milk.
Ezerak asks Ruea, "Should we give him a few moments to see if he shows up?"
Tirost nods to Parkons.
Gragnel says to Elurora, "Getting crowded again. This tower is barely hanging on. Hope we dont exceed capacity."
Aerilia nibbles her lip thoughtfully.
Ruea says to Ezerak, "I think that would be wise."
A large fire flutters slightly.
With a waver like a mirage, Waydren fades into view.
Elurora softly says to Gragnel, "It's stood this long, let us up it continues."
The snow increases in severity and is now a blizzard.
Rileos frowns.
Gragnel nods to Elurora.
Rileos gazes up at the sky.
Elurora pats Rileos on the back.
Rileos says, "Well, the weather is certainly makin this dramatic."
Tirost grins at Rileos.
Tirost glances up at the sky.
Ruea says, "Again, if Asildu does arrive, let's treat him calmly and respectfully."
Ezathiel shivers.
Ruea smiles.
Gragnel says, "It's not so bad with new boots."
Aerilia nods.
Gragnel grins.
Tirost softly says to Siendra, "This is your fault."
Madigan says, "Feels like the North down here."
Brisknite nods to Ruea.
Elurora grins at Gragnel.
Madigan gazes up at the sky.
Ezathiel adjusts his tweed cloak.
Avrenka grins at Gragnel.
Madigan adjusts his blue cloak.
Vaerek scans the sky from horizon to horizon.
Siendra asks Tirost, "The snow?"
Parkons glances up at the sky.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Saragos says to Ruea, "Sure."
Kerennya shakes the folds of her smokewhorl cloak back and forth violently, creating a small cloud of dust in the process.
Rileos just tried to pull a tailored tasia longcoat featuring carved brass buttons.
Tirost says to Siendra, "The blizzard..."
Ezerak says, "I did not receive a response, but perhaps his scholarly interest will tempt him."
Leayne draws her fox fur longcoat around herself.
Siendra hums to herself.
Ruea says, "We all have something invested here, on one level or another. And I do acknoweldge that there will be a degree of, "You can talk to me or deal with them" as this goes on."
Ruea smiles at Saragos.
Ezerak glances up at the sky.
Tirost looks at Siendra, obviously trying not to grin.
Ruea nods.
Kerennya holds the front edges of her smokewhorl cloak and performs a deep curtsy.
Ezerak nibbles his lip thoughtfully.
Avrenka nods to Gragnel.
Ezerak says, "I hope the weather will not interfere much."
Elurora takes a sip of her milk.
Madigan adjusts his half plate.
Avrenka glances up at the sky.
Waydren says to Ruea, "We follow your lead in this endeavor, Pack Leader."
Siendra says to Tirost, "I secretly am working against all you fire mages."
Siendra waggles her fingers mystically at Tirost. How nice.
Crobin stands near Leayne.
Rileos stretches his right arm across his chest, pulling it tight to his body with his other hand. You hear a soft pop from Rileos's shoulder, and he suddenly whips his arm around to crack his upper back.
Ruea says to Ezerak, "Ayrell would be impressed by how you've handled this, you're a Mountain Elf to you marrow."
Tirost scoffs at Siendra.
Gragnel says, "Time to go away, Francis. It's busy here."
Siendra appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Elurora smiles at Gragnel.
Ruea says to Waydren, "No one in their right mind would make me a pack leader but I'll take it."
Ruea winks at Waydren.
Waydren smiles at Ruea.
Crobin chuckles.
Waydren says to Ruea, "And yet, in this, you are chief among those on the trail."
Waydren bows to Ruea.
Ruea smiles at Waydren.
Waydren stands near Madigan.
Vaerek licks an enormous forest-green Enelne lollipop covered in iridescent sugar crystals.
Ruea says, "You're all free to indiscriminantly flatter me, it's not required but always encouraged."
Ezerak quietly says to Ruea, "That is the highest praise I think I have ever received."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Gragnel chuckles.
Ruea says to Ezerak, "You earned it."
Vaerek scans the sky from horizon to horizon.
Leayne glances up at the sky.
A pained expression crosses Vaerek's face.
Rileos says to Ruea, "Oh, well, your shoes are very sparkly and you look good."
Rileos nods to Ruea.
Vaerek says, "No moons."
Elurora chuckles at Rileos.
Vaerek sighs.
Saragos says to Ruea, "If I can get them back, their looks of disapproval will be the best gifts I've ever received."
Breath of the Heralds Asildu just arrived.
Tirost chuckles.
Avrenka says to Ruea, "Nice cheekbones."
Anuril nods to Asildu.
* Breath of the Heralds Asildu joins the adventure.
Ruea's high heels say, "Sparkle sparkle."
Asildu nods politely.
Sukidesu says, "The moons always seem like they're against us gathering."
Kerennya tips her uaro's'sugi to Asildu with a courteous nod.
Aerilia nods to Asildu.
Ruea curtsies gracefully to Asildu.
Vaerek puts his lollipop in his treasureweave cylinder.
Kethrai bows to Asildu.
Vaerek gets a blue iris from inside his treasureweave cylinder.
Ruea says to Asildu, "Thank you for joining us. I don't believe we've met formally, I am Ruea."
Saragos gazes at Asildu.
Asildu looks around the room, appearing somewhat discomfited.
Elurora glances at Asildu.
Asildu nods to Ruea.
Sukidesu nods politely to Asildu.
Waydren searches around for a moment.
Asildu says to Ruea, "Asildu. As I'm sure you've heard."
Ruea says to Saragos, "No one is ever going to disapprove of how much you're willing to do to save your wife, my friend."
Ezerak says to Asildu, "I hoped this may pique your curiosity."
Asildu nods to Ezerak.
Ruea says to Asildu, "Your legend does preceed you."
Asildu says to Ezerak, "I'll admit, it did."
Tirost glances at Saragos.
Asildu chuckles at Ruea.
Ruea winks at Asildu.
Gragnel gets a tall glass of Surlaenisan jewel garnished with curled coconut shavings from inside his bag.
Gragnel takes a sip of his jewel.
Rileos asks Asildu, "I mean, how could it not?"
Medir takes a sip of his icebock.
Rileos gestures at Ruea.
Ezathiel gazes at Asildu.
Ezerak chuckles at Rileos.
Asildu says to Ezerak, "I'll admit, I was hesitant to accept the invitation, all things considered."
Ruea laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
Asildu casually observes the area.
Briaen puts his papers in his damaged book.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Avrenka says, "Don't worry, Ruea has whipped us into good behavior tonight."
Kethrai nods to Avrenka.
Waydren nods at Avrenka, obviously agreeing with his views.
Asildu gives a slight nod.
Elurora grins at Avrenka.
Ruea asks Saragos, "Would you be comfortable leading the mana pull for the first wave?"
Ezerak asks Asildu, "I thought that may be the case. Would you be more comfortable if we did the experiment in another location?"
Saragos says to Asildu, "You're safe, so long as you don't attempt to mess with the planar state in this area. It looks like you're trying to muddy things up, I'll burn you down. Long as that doesn't happen, we're good to talk."
Waydren sighs.
Ruea says, "You all make it sound like you're miscreants, I think you've all been lovely."
Briaen smirks.
Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.
Gragnel says, "I've not done any wrong today."
Avrenka says, "I'm more of a scofflaw myself."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Tirost nods at Madigan, obviously agreeing with his views.
Elurora gazes up at the sky.
Asildu says to Saragos, "I don't fiddle with planar anything."
Siendra shifts her weight.
Leayne nods to Crobin.
Saragos nods to Asildu.
Ruea glances at Saragos.
Saragos says to Ruea, "I'm fine with that."
Ruea nods.
Asildu says to Ezerak, "If my presence doesn't offend anyone here, then I'm fine with the location."
Lexxa coughs.
Lexxa folds her arms across her chest.
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Allye smiles.
Elurora takes a sip of her milk.
Ezathiel shifts his weight.
Ezerak asks Asildu, "Any advice before we begin, then?"
Madigan nods to Tirost.
Casari gestures.
Lexxa appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Waydren raises an eyebrow in Madigan's direction.
Asildu asks, "Some information, if I would be permitted to speak?"
Ruea says to Asildu, "The floor is yours."
Elurora gazes at Asildu.
Ruea smiles at Asildu.
Aerilia tilts her head, clearly curious about something.
Siendra gazes at Asildu.
Ezathiel observes Asildu with fascination.
Allye angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Asildu.
Asildu asks, "My understanding is that you've gathered to speak with the Heralds. Is that correct?"
Ruea nods to Asildu.
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Waydren nods to Madigan.
Ezerak says, "That is our hope."
A large fire wavers a bit.
Asildu says, "Before we begin, there are some things I feel I must explain in order to... perhaps curb some potential... expectations? Yes, I think that's the right word."
Asildu nods.
Elurora tilts her head, clearly curious about something.
Siendra nibbles on her fingers contemplatively.
Kerennya tilts her head, clearly curious about something.
Tirost glances at Siendra.
Brisknite cocks his head.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Asildu says, "I'm terrible at public speaking. If you'll all bear with me."
Asildu clears his throat.
Siendra appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Crobin nods to Brisknite.
Avrenka says, "Channel your inner Bard."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Brisknite nods to Crobin.
Rileos smirks.
Asildu says, "When I first embarked on this mission, I was under the impression the world understood what the Heralds are. An error, on my part, likely due to the fact that I've immersed myself so completely in them that it feels common knowledge. The more I engage in discussion with you all, the more I realize that's... not the case. And the more I think on it, the more I realize that... makes perfect sense."
World Killer Binu just arrived.
Ruea smiles.
Elurora furrows her brow.
Gragnel raises an eyebrow.
Ezathiel raises an eyebrow.
Asildu says, "No one else here has seen the things that I've seen. You haven't felt the things that I've felt. You have doubts. You have... feelings about people and things that I imagine I felt at one point in my life as well, but am somewhat disconnected from now. As if I've traded my connection to mortals for a connection with something far greater."
Allye gazes at Asildu.
Ezerak gazes at Asildu.
Asildu says, "No insult intended, of course. I speak entirely of the power of the Heralds."
Gragnel turns the clerical collar about his neck for a moment.
Ruea tilts her head inquisitively.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.
Anuril glances at Briaen.
Asildu says, "So, let's address the reason I'm here. You want to speak with the Heralds. To utilize my connection to them in hopes of attaining contact."
Kethrai holds up his hand and tilts it side to side in a so-so gesture.
Asildu says, "To be clear, I fully intend to try and assist, in any way I can, but I want to make sure we're all looking at this with a realistic view. The Heralds are not..."
Elurora chuckles at Siendra.
Avrenka looks at Elurora and shrugs.
Asildu inhales a steadying breath, considering his words carefully.
Gragnel takes a sip of his jewel.
Brisknite peers quizzically at Asildu.
Asildu says, "The Heralds are not like us. They don't think like us. They don't function like us. They don't understand mortal concepts like friends or... wives."
Asildu glances at Saragos.
Asildu glances at Ezerak.
Asildu glances at Madigan.
A large fire dims slightly.
Gragnel frowns.
Tirost nods to Asildu.
Aerilia folds her arms across her chest.
Ezerak gives a slight nod.
Crobin smirks to himself.
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.
Ezathiel furrows his brow.
Ezerak frowns.
Asildu says, "As a mortal man, I'm familiar with these concepts. I understand that you've lost loved ones and that their safety is important to every last one of you, but the Heralds - don't. Not because of any intention of malice, but because they just aren't built that way. Love isn't something they feel. It's foreign. Unknown."
Siendra ponders.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Madigan gets a mug of roasted coffee from inside his traveler's pack.
Asildu says, "This is something that comes from being an entity of such immense capability. The Heralds are the pinnacle of power. So far above your Immortals that the mortals I've spoken to seem unable - and to some degree unwilling - to fathom. And why would you? Common knowledge of the Heralds is sparse. I had to dedicate my life to study them, traveling the world, forgoing the luxury of love and friendships in search of information."
Briaen grips the Berengaria dawnblade hanging from his sword belt and surveys the area with a hint of malice in his eyes.
Elurora chews on her lip, looking deep in concentration.
Ruea nods at Waydren, obviously agreeing with his views.
Kethrai stands near Briaen.
Asildu says, "In comparison, the Immortals are... easy to trust and believe in. They are... more accessible. Unlike the Heralds, who have no use of mortal prayers, the Immortals thrive on it. Mortals are the playthings of the Immortals. Prayers and sacrifices empower them, just as the lack of such can anger them. They are fickle creatures, but they enjoy you. And you enjoy them, because they offer you gifts in the form of favors, guidance - magic. Things you can see with your own eyes, feel with your hands, experience when you die and revive."
Gragnel nods.
Elurora ponders.
Crobin nibbles on Leayne affectionately.
Gragnel says, "I can agree to that."
Leayne smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.
Gragnel adjusts his clerical cassock into place.
Asildu says, "But, the thing is... the Heralds are also here. Always present, yet unseen. Watching. Working. Focused only on the maintenance of balance, without care of whether or not the constancy of their labor is noticed. They have a job, and that job is to keep this world in a state of balance. To protect you all from the destruction imbalance can cause. The destruction this current instability HAS caused and continues to cause every day that it's allowed to go on."
Tirost nods to Asildu.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Allye looks thoughtfully at Asildu.
Gragnel whispers something to Elurora.
Aerilia ponders.
Asildu says, "That being said, with regard to your efforts tonight, I want to make it clear that I don't speak to the Heralds. They don't speak to me. I have a connection to them. I feel things through that connection, and I have reason to believe they occasionally feel things through it as well, but I make no promises that they'll grant us their attention. The best I can offer is my promise to try. Because if answers are what you need in order to take action, then I view it as my duty to do what I can to help."
Asildu nods.
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Ruea nods to Asildu.
Aerilia nods to Asildu.
Anuril makes a grunting noise.
Ezerak says to Asildu, "Thank you."
Ezathiel nods in agreement.
Madigan glances at Anuril.
Anuril looks at Madigan, obviously trying not to grin.
Gragnel nods to Elurora.
Sukidesu glances up at the sky.
Madigan adjusts his half plate.
A large fire grows dimmer.
Sukidesu gets a cedar branch from a pile on the ground.
Ruea says to Asildu, "Thank you for explaining that to us. Our hope is to keep this rational and logical, more focused on negotiation than emotional outbursts."
Elurora flashes a quick grin at Gragnel.
Brisknite bows to Asildu.
Sukidesu puts his branch on a large fire.
Gragnel gets a glass of Surlaenis white wine from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.
Asildu nods to Ruea.
Sukidesu gets a cedar branch from a pile on the ground.
(Saragos looks like he wants to say something, but glances and Ruea and instead grimaces, his lips pressed tightly together.)
Sukidesu puts his branch on a fire.
Sukidesu gets a cedar branch from a pile on the ground.
Sukidesu puts his branch on a large fire.
Sukidesu counts some branches in the pile on the ground.
Ruea says, "Again, anyone who feels their emotions are overtaking them... please excuse yourself until you can center yourself."
Siendra pets her russet panther.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Elurora nods to Ruea.
Sukidesu puts his branch on a large fire.
Lexxa nods to Ruea.
(Ruea glances at Saragos and mouths "Thank you" silently.)
A large fire flutters slightly.
Asildu asks Ruea, "Is there anything specific you would like me to do?"
Briaen gazes down at the ground.
Ruea says to Asildu, "Our intention is to harness mana in a few waves as a means of getting their attention and then I will attempt to reach them by speaking, if you feel anything that would help guide us or give us a better interpretation of things that would be wonderful."
Ruea smiles at Asildu.
Asildu asks Ruea, "I will attempt to meditate and see if... I might be able to catch their attention?"
Ruea says to Ezerak, "Thank you very much for your quick thinking in inviting Asildu, I am in your debt."
Ezathiel pats Lexxa on the back.
Ruea nods at Asildu, obviously agreeing with his views.
Leayne gives Crobin a gentle poke in the ribs.
Rileos runs his fingers through his hair.
Knight Penitent Briaen goes down.
Medir walks down.
Ezerak says to Ruea, "Nothing to thank me for. It was the least I could do, really."
Madigan praises Ezathiel.
Asildu takes a few steps away from the group, standing rigid, his eyes closed. Quietly, he murmurs something under his breath, focused.
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.
Saragos drums his fingers on his leather holster.
Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.
Kethrai angles his ears forward, gazing curiously at Ruea.
Elurora glances at Ruea.
Siendra glances at Asildu.
Ruea reaches down and rubs Saragos's right arm.
Ezerak asks Ruea, "Shall we begin?"
Ruea nods to Ezathiel.
A feeling washes over you, prickling the back of your neck with the sensation of being watched.
Rileos shudders.
Ezerak blinks.
Elurora rubs her neck.
Siendra shivers.
Ezathiel blinks.
Leayne shudders.
Ruea says, "I think we've begun."
Anuril squints.
Gragnel gazes up at the sky.
Miraeven shifts his weight.
Rileos glances up at the sky.
Kerennya shivers.
Ezerak says, "Seems so."
Madigan nods in agreement.
Ezathiel softly says, "I think so."
Rileos says, "It does at that."
A pained expression crosses Saragos's face.
Aerilia nods.
Brisknite nods to Ruea.
Ezerak nibbles his lip thoughtfully.
Miraeven kneels down.
Sukidesu takes a seat.
Ruea quietly says to Saragos, "Breathe, friend."
Vaerek asks, "Should we join someone?"
Miraeven glances heavenward a moment and utters a desperate prayer.
Sukidesu inhales a great swallow of air.
Sukidesu slowly empties his lungs.
Allye closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.
Kethrai steps towards Ruea to join her, but Ruea steps away.
Rileos casually observes the area.
Ruea says, "You can join me."
Kerennya breathes almost without making a sound.
Rileos joins Ruea's group.
Brisknite joins Ruea's group.
Avrenka joins Ruea's group.
Kethrai joins Ruea's group.
Sukidesu joins Ruea's group.
Elurora joins Ruea's group.
Aerilia joins Ruea's group.
Ezathiel joins Ruea's group.
Vaerek joins Ruea's group.
Gragnel joins Ruea's group.
Parkons joins Ruea's group.
Miraeven stands up.
Allye joins Ruea's group.
Kerennya joins Ruea's group.
Casari joins Ruea's group.
Saragos whispers something to Ruea.
Siendra joins Ruea's group.
Kamisama joins Ruea's group.
Sofina joins Ruea's group.
Saragos joins Ruea's group.
Ezerak joins Ruea's group.
Miraeven joins Ruea's group.
Leayne joins Ruea's group.
Ruea says, "Nod sara."
Waydren joins Ruea's group.
Eyst joins Ruea's group.
Crobin joins Ruea's group.
Kethrai says, "Harnessing..."
Tipping his brown hat back, Rileos lays his thumb against the edge to hold it up and away from his face.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Asildu continues to meditate, his breathing deep and even.
Ruea smiles.
Waydren searches around for a moment.
Ruea says, "Please focus your intentions and thoughts on the peaceful return of our friends, try to remove the hostility you may be feeling from your mind at this time."
Rileos says, "Got about as much mana as I can grapple on."
Ezathiel assumes a meditative stance, concentrating on something.
Aerilia nods to Ruea.
Leayne frowns.
Ruea gazes at Asildu.
Waydren searches around for a moment.
Rileos quietly says to Kethrai, "So about that nerve damage."
Asildu quietly says to Ruea, "I make no promises they will respond. But they may hear you if you speak."
Gragnel says, "I've got a hold on as much mana as I can."
Ruea nods.
Kethrai touches Rileos with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.
Binu joins Ruea's group.
Ezerak gazes at Ruea.
Elurora looks at Allye and blushes.
Avrenka shows Waydren his lightning amethyst.
Allye touches Elurora with a confident grace and familiar smile.
Allye nods to Elurora.
Avrenka nods to Waydren.
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"We seek to speak with the Heralds to see what terms must be met for the safe return of our five friends. We are willing to peacefully negotiate in whatever arena you deem appropriate."
Ruea pats Ezerak on the back.
Anuril frowns.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Eyst ponders.
Rileos gazes up at the sky.
Anuril whispers something to Ruea.
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"There are those among us who believe you seek that sorcery be banned, if this is your desire please let us know"
Madigan gazes up at the sky.
Asildu inhales a great swallow of air.
Anuril smirks.
Crobin stands near Leayne.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Madigan gets a mug of mocha coffee from inside his traveler's pack.
Waydren just nudged Madigan.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"We wish to assist in your efforts to achieve balance but require guidance and perspective if you will share it."
Ruea gazes up at the sky.
Ezerak nibbles his lip thoughtfully.
Kethrai touches Siendra with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.
Elurora casually observes the area.
Rileos scratches distractedly at his beard.
Ruea quietly says, "If anyone has a thought to add, please do with respect and calm."
Leayne softly says, "Tree is up."
Siendra smiles gratefully at Kethrai.
Allye presses her palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Kerennya presses her palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Vaerek presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Kethrai presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Leayne presses her palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Rileos shakes his head at Ruea.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ezathiel presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Kamisama presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
A faint sound of cracking glass echoes through the area. You feel protected.
Parkons presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Ruea presses her palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Sukidesu sweeps his statuette through the air with slow, contemplative gestures.
Asildu quietly says, "Through my connection, I can confirm their agreement that sorcery be ceased."
Miraeven presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Ruea nods to Asildu.
Ezerak says to Ruea, "I do not think I could have phrased it better myself."
Casari smirks.
Vaerek blinks at Asildu.
Parkons peers quizzically at Asildu.
Ruea asks Asildu, "Do they feel this would achieve the requirements for the return of our companions?"
Crobin squints.
Elurora quietly says, "We might ask if it's even them who have our friends..."
Elurora shifts her weight.
Sukidesu says, "Vela'tohr up."
Ezerak nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.
Ruea nods to Elurora.
Avrenka nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.
Anuril nods to Elurora.
Saragos paces back and forth.
Madigan takes a sip of his coffee.
Gragnel reaches out to touch a long-leafed vela'tohr bush surrounded by diminutive blue butterflies, and it extends a green branch, soft leaves curling against his flesh as he sighs softly.
Vaerek presses his palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Ezathiel whispers something to Ruea.
Ezerak asks, "Do the Heralds have our missing five? If not, do they know who does?"
Elurora nods to Ezerak.
Waydren reaches out to touch a long-leafed vela'tohr bush surrounded by diminutive blue butterflies, and it extends a green branch, soft leaves curling against his flesh as he sighs softly.
Asildu says to Ruea, "They believe it will achieve the requirements to achieve balance. As I said, they don't understand companionship."
Aerilia nods to Ezerak.
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"In the interest of open communication, would you please confirm that you have our companions in some way? Grant us a glimpse of them or allow us to hear their voices in some way?"
Avrenka quietly says, "Surely such beings of inconceivable power should know where our 5 friends are..."
Eyst says, "Do they understand cause and effect? Perhaps imply the continued incarceration of our comrades will lead to increased sorcery."
Ezerak ponders.
Allye nibbles her lip thoughtfully.
Elurora quietly says to Avrenka, "Knowing and holding are different though."
Ruea quietly says, "Patience, friends. We are negotiating and learning their terms."
Asildu quietly says, "The Heralds have no interest in five when their focus is all of existence."
Gragnel just left.
Aerilia nibbles her lip thoughtfully.
Ruea nods.
Ezerak frowns.
Medir just arrived.
Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.
Ruea says to Asildu, "That sounds like these events are coincidental but not coinciding."
Lexxa asks, "Ask if they know who commands Null Prison?"
Elurora flashes a quick grin at Avrenka.
Kethrai says, "Or maybe..."
Allye angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Kethrai.
Madigan puts his coffee in his traveler's pack.
Elurora gives Avrenka a slight nod.
Asildu says to Ruea, "I can speak of my own personal view on that, but my connection doesn't allow me to hear their thoughts or words directly."
Ezerak whispers something to Crobin.
(Kethrai carefully moves over to the brick marked on the floor.)
Crobin nods to Ezerak.
Waydren searches around for a moment.
Allye gazes down at the ground.
(Kethrai touches the brick carefully with one hand.)
Madigan nods to Parkons.
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"We ask with respect, though these five are merely part of a whole to you, they are a significant matter to us. If there is any way to grant us knowledge of their whereabouts or of with whom they are now, we would be grateful and cooperative."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ruea nods to Asildu.
Kethrai asks, "There seems to be a powerful magic attached to... this piece of stone. Do they know anything about it? Are they responsible for it?"
Ruea asks Asildu, "Nothing is ever simple, is it darling?"
Asildu says to Ruea, "I'm afraid not."
Ezerak whispers something to Crobin.
Ruea quietly asks, "Can anyone sense anything with your magics and research?"
Sukidesu says, "The last time Nawain was able to hear them, it happened after our mana disappeared for a brief moment."
Lexxa shakes her head.
Saragos says, "I have something to say. Heralds, you may not understand companionship, but you may have stopped something dangerous and accidentally caught up several of our people. You may not even know you have done it. They are just five, but if you have them, it will result in some mortals fighting against your cause. You need to understand this."
Sukidesu rests his hand on Siendra's arm with a soft smile.
Waydren sighs.
Siendra smiles at Sukidesu.
Sukidesu grins at Siendra, his dimples flashing into view.
Waydren points forward and waggles his finger, walks his fingers across the ground, quickly covers his eyes, mouth, and ears and then holds his two index fingers side by side.
Elurora glances at Waydren.
Ruea quietly asks, "Would the room be willing to offer a moment without magic in exchange for a sign of our friends?"
Elurora nods to Ruea.
Siendra nods to Ruea.
Allye nods to Ruea.
Vaerek nods to Ruea.
Ezathiel pleasantly says, "Yes."
Asildu closes his eyes again, breathing deeply.
Lexxa nods to Ruea.
Ruea glances at Asildu.
Aerilia nods.
Saragos nods to Ruea.
Waydren shrugs.
Sukidesu says, "Yes."
Ezathiel pleasantly says, "I have released my mana."
Crobin says, "Mana is released."
Ruea chants in a soprano voice:
"Those present are willing to trade a period without our magical abilities in exchange for just a glimpse of our compatriots, if you would be willing"
Kethrai waves his hands around.
Kethrai looks at Crobin and sighs.
Vaerek takes a seat.
A helix of blue and white light swirls around Vaerek!
Medir ponders.
The blue and white helix continues to swirl around Vaerek. Wounds and minute imperfections along his body begin to fade in a brilliant supernatural display!
The blue and white light surrounding Vaerek fades, leaving him healthy and refreshed.
Parkons says, "I have traded my comfort and defenses for a moment without magic."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Parkons frowns.
Ruea smiles at Parkons.
Ezerak praises Parkons.
Saragos's throat contracts as a faint wisp of smoke rises from his lips.
Medir says, "As long as I can keep a drink in hand."
Medir sighs.
Brisknite nods to Ruea.
Vaerek says, "I still sense a bit of magic."
Tirost grins at Medir.
Kamisama chuckles at Medir.
Elurora just nudged Casari.
Ruea quietly says, "Thank you for your patience, my darlings. Let's give them time to decide."
Siendra pats Medir on the back.
Binu says, "One moment."
(Parkons gazes at Asildu, an obvious look of distrust.)
Medir closes his linen khandur.
Ruea quietly says, "We must respect that we do not have the upper hand here for now."
Ezerak quietly says, "For now..."
Ruea glances at Ezerak.
Binu says, "I have released all that I can."
Vaerek left the group.
Asildu quietly says, "I sense nothing from the connection at that. As all I can do is interpret, I would translate that to mean they can't show what they don't have."
Ezathiel roots around the area for a moment.
Ezathiel forages around the area for a while until he finds an ash limb.
Ezathiel puts his limb on a large fire.
Ruea nods.
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.
Ruea says, "Then we have learned something tonight."
Kerennya presses her palm against the bole of an azure acanth tree, fingers splayed.
Elurora gives Asildu a slight nod.
Casari says, "Oh, I just realized that I also have a connection to the Heralds, and I'm sensing from them that Asildu is lying."
Ruea slowly empties her lungs.
Rileos nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Sukidesu says, "It means the heralds do not have them."
Lexxa nods to Ruea.
Avrenka grins at Casari.
Saragos asks Asildu, "Would they understand images better than words? Can they hear thoughts?"
(Ezathiel stands closer to the fire, hands extended to absorb the heat.)
Kethrai asks Asildu, "What about my question? Do they know anything about the magic here? It seems to be anchored... right... here?"
Ezerak peers quizzically at Casari.
Madigan grins at Casari.
(Kethrai reaches down to tap the brick.)
Rileos says to Ruea, "Well, at least they're saying they don't."
Ruea raises an eyebrow.
Leayne takes a sip of her jewel.
Sukidesu nods in agreement.
Medir gazes at his scotch.
Saragos glances at Kethrai.
Madigan says to Crobin, "I'll be in the Watch Tower LT. Take care Watch and friends."
Asildu says to Kethrai, "I will try to focus deeper on the connection, but.... we'll see."
Madigan raises his hand in a quick salute.
Avrenka says, "Pardon my insolence ... but I think I've had enough of this."
Casari folds her arms across her chest.
Sir Madigan goes down.
Lexxa asks, "Ask if they know who commands over Null Prison?"
Ruea asks Asildu, "Do you feel they have any idea who has them?"
Elurora quietly asks Rileos, "We've known from the beginning of this that there might be another thing taking advantage of the issues with magic, maybe whatever that is has our friends?"
(Saragos moves over to stand near Kethrai and the brick at the center of where they disappeared.)
Asildu takes another moment, blocking out the sound around him, listening intently.
Tirost frowns as Kethrai taps the marked bricks of the tower's floor.
Siendra says, "Something trying to get sorcerous magic around, perhaps? Fighting against the Heralds."
Tirost glances at Saragos.
An uncomfortable thrum of energy charges the air briefly, dissipating almost as quickly as it arose as the feeling of being watched subsides.
Allye sighs.
Aerilia shivers.
Ezerak blinks.
A pained expression crosses Kethrai's face.
Medir gazes at his scotch.
Asildu shakes his head.
Crobin squints.
Elurora rubs her nose.
Ruea nods.
Vaerek inhales a great swallow of air.
Ezathiel sighs.
Leayne blinks.
Siendra sighs.
Vaerek stands up.
Ruea says to Asildu, "Thank you for what you have done for us."
Ruea glances at Ezathiel.
Kethrai says, "For beings outside of time they can be impatient sometimes."
Ruea glances at Ezerak.
Vaerek bows to Asildu.
Ruea glances at Saragos.
Lexxa praises Asildu.
Asildu nods to Ruea.
Allye nods to Kethrai.
Anuril smirks at Kethrai.
Saragos mutters to himself.
Ezerak says, "Feels like they've given us ants as much attention as they are willing, for now."
Kerennya says to Asildu, "Thank you for your aid."
Lexxa nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Asildu says to Ruea, "I'm sorry I'm unable to do more. I want more than anything to prove to you all that I mean what I say."
Rileos says to Ezerak, "S'fair, how often do you care about the affairs of ants? Glad we got anythin."
Saragos says to Ezerak, "They'll get another chance to give us more on another day."
Ruea says, "But now we know. They don't have our friends, in part because they wouldn't care enough to take them."
Ezerak nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Ezerak nods at Rileos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Ruea says, "No knowledge is useless."
Elurora quietly says to Rileos, "We care when they're in our pantry."
Avrenka says, "If we're such insignificant ants, then why do they bother convincing us not to use sorcery? We're either insignificant or we are significant, pick one."
Saragos says to Ruea, "We don't know that at all."
Kethrai says, "Or they have them but don't even know it."
Casari says, "We didn't learn anything."
Kethrai says, "'Bycatch,' as someone else called it."
Ruea says to Saragos, "Well then we know what we are wanted to think."
Medir takes a sip of his scotch.
Allye rubs her left arm.
Ezerak nods to Ruea.
Elurora touches Allye with a confident grace and familiar smile.
Ezerak says, "That sounds likely."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Allye nods to Elurora.
Ruea says to Saragos, "Anger won't help us in this moment. All we can do is evaluate what we've been told."
Ruea rubs her head.
Ezerak says to Asildu, "Thank you for your assistance. It took great courage to come here, considering."
Elurora nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Ruea nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Tirost nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Asildu nods to Ezerak.
Aerilia nods in agreement.
Ezathiel places his hands on his thighs and bows deeply at the waist towards Asildu, holding the position for a moment before returning upright.
Allye quietly says, "True."
Saragos says to Ruea, "All we know is that they probably didn't care enough to take them just for who they were. They could have been accidentally swept up when the Heralds stopped what we were doing. OR, they could have just been swept away as a 'nothing personal' type of thing. You're dangerous, be gone."
Siendra asks Asildu, "Do you know what might want to disrupt the Heralds? Some entity that would push for sorcery to persist, perhaps to cause some sort of chaos?"
Ruea says to Asildu, "If you have any advice to offer, we'd be glad to hear it."
Ezerak says, "I cannot say that I would have done the same, in your position."
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Waydren waggles a finger at his temple, points forward and waggles his finger, shakes his head, points to his head, shakes his head, cups his hand to his ear, shakes his head, walks his fingers across the ground and then sweeps his hand under his chin.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Bookkeeper Parkons goes down.
Avrenka says, "Or maybe they're actually behind all of this."
Leayne takes a sip of her jewel.
Anuril rolls his eyes.
Eyst ponders.
Tirost says to Siendra, "Or an entity that cared nothing for sorcery - only mana and energy from this plane."
Kethrai says to Saragos, "Or it really truly wasn't them. The creation of the prison might have gotten their attention, but we don't know for certain they made it."
Ruea says to Saragos, "Then we have been given insight into their perspective."
Black Fox Xionara just arrived.
Crobin stands near Leayne.
Elurora quietly says, "I still think it's an unknown third party."
Ezathiel whispers something to Lexxa.
Leayne hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.
Elurora gazes up at the sky.
Rileos grins at Elurora.
Tirost glances at Elurora.
A pained expression crosses Tirost's face.
Asildu says to Siendra, "My thoughts have had a heavy lean toward demons from the start. Why or how, I couldn't begin to guess. I'm far from a demonologist. But if I'm considering entities that would have a desire to stir up trouble, imbalance, instability, and all other matter of trouble, it's them."
Saragos says to Ruea, "Which is basically what I expected from the beginning. My position all along as been that they probably don't care about us, individually. But that if they don't, they must be made to care."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ruea says, "There is also the possibility that some larger force is working against the Heralds and we've been caught in the middle."
Anuril nods to Elurora.
Siendra nods to Asildu.
Ruea says, "Heralds and Harbingers, for all we know."
In the blink of an eye, Waydren disappears into his surroundings.
Sukidesu says, "They're still here, I'm sure. Our friends, I mean. But unless we have a way to see into a fifth dimension...we can't see them."
Brisknite frowns at Asildu.
Sukidesu ponders.
Rileos says to Asildu, "Yeah, but that ain't the means. I'm skeptical on the means."
With a waver like a mirage, Waydren fades into view.
Tirost nods to Rileos.
Siendra says, "We may be caught in some war we don't even know is happening, yet we're being used in."
Waydren says to Sukidesu, "We saw then on the other eve. They are indeed here, but not here."
Ruea says, "Has anyone got a very large glass of wine? Or whiskey? I've got a bit of a headache from this."
Ruea smiles.
Sukidesu nods to Waydren.
Kethrai exclaims, "Know who would have been a great person to ask about that alternate timeline idea? Navesi!"
Rileos gets an ironwood bootlegger's crate reinforced with steel bands from inside an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.
Tirost smiles at Ruea.
Saragos says to Asildu, "Well, the feeling of being watched we felt? That's exactly what I've felt on me when I've tried to discuss the precise magical nature of the kidnapping."
Rileos opens his bootlegger's crate.
Rileos moves an ironwood bootlegger's crate reinforced with steel bands to his left hand.
Crobin says, "I've got blood ale."
Ezerak says to Siendra, "Some sort of war, indeed. That is what several have said."
Crobin says, "But I am sure that is not what you mean."
Crobin smiles at Ruea.
Xionara softly asks Ruea, "Absinthe?"
Rileos gets a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey from inside his bootlegger's crate.
Rileos offers Ruea a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey.
Ruea just nudged Kethrai.
Rileos closes his bootlegger's crate.
Eyst says to Elurora, "It certainly seems possible, when all the known parties seem almost as clueless as us."
Rileos puts his whiskey in an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.
Allye trills softly at Kethrai.
Siendra nods to Ezerak.
Rileos gets a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey from inside an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.
Ezerak nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
(Game dropped)
(Log continues after game resumed)
Vaerek says, "Oi."
Kethrai says, "Good... everything's still attached..."
Crobin's tail undulates lazily through the air.
Leayne softly says, "Well..."
Rileos offers Ruea a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey.
Lexxa chuckles at Kethrai.
Crobin clasps Leayne's hand tenderly and draws her into his arms.
Ruea says, "Oh dear."
Ruea accepts Rileos's Idon's Wench whiskey.
Lexxa pats herself down looking for something!
Ruea takes a sip of her whiskey.
Vaerek chuckles at Ruea.
Lexxa sighs.
Lexxa is hugging herself.
Ruea says, "I told you I had a headache."
Ruea begins pouting.
Sukidesu shivers.
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Crobin asks, "Anyone tried going outside yet?"
Ezerak just arrived.
Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.
The driving snow falls heavily on the surface of Medir's copper zills.
Rileos says to Ruea, "Don't go too hard on it, that's the good one."
Xionara softly says to Crobin, "Might not be safe."
Medir shakes his head.
Xionara chortles softly at some secret joke.
Sclerotia just arrived.
Ezerak blinks.
Siendra asks Crobin, "Is there still an outside?"
The driving snow falls heavily on the surface of Ezerak's dainty cowbell.
Crobin says, "That is the question."
Ezerak asks Saragos, "It did rather feel the same, didn't it?"
Ruea says to Rileos, "I drink whiskey once a year, I wouldn't worry."
Saragos nods to Ezerak.
Ruea takes a sip of her whiskey.
Ruea offers Rileos a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey.
Heart Tender Kethrai glides down.
Asildu comes out of hiding.
Leayne softly says, "Even Daisy is back."
Miraeven just arrived.
Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.
Ruea smiles at Asildu.
Xionara points at Asildu.
Crobin says, "Good."
Kethrai says, "Can confirm, there is still an outside."
Ezerak asks Saragos, "Though I wonder if there are other entities that might watch in a similar manner? The Immortals, demons perhaps?"
Kerennya asks Asildu, "You okay?"
Miraeven clears his throat.
Crobin nods to Kethrai.
Anuril takes his rightful place beside Kethrai.
Asildu dusts himself off.
Anuril moves over to guard Kethrai.
Rithor just arrived.
Asildu nods to Kerennya.
The heavy snow falls down on the surface of Ruea's asini zills.
Xionara flirts with Asildu.
Kerennya nods.
Ruea says, "Thank you to everyone for remaining so calm and level headed during this attempted negotiation."
Ezerak says, "But it did feel very much the same..."
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Ruea says, "I know it didn't go as we hoped but progress was made."
Rileos says to Ruea, "Sorry, distracted."
Ruea offers Rileos a bottle of Idon's Wench whiskey.
Avrenka grins at Xionara.
Rileos accepts Ruea's Idon's Wench whiskey.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Rileos puts his whiskey in an effervescent eddy of honey-hued light captured by a sungold frame.
Xionara loudly boos Avrenka.
Medir takes a sip of his scotch.
Xionara giggles at Avrenka.
Avrenka smirks.
Crobin says, "Well."
Aerilia nods to Ruea.
Crobin asks, "Ready to head out hun?"
Xionara looks at Avrenka and shrugs.
Avrenka shakes his head.
Avrenka grabs Xionara by the shoulders and shakes her!
Rileos dusts himself off.
Rileos gazes up at the sky.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Asildu says to Saragos, "I had a thought and it trailed off a moment, but I recall it now. I was going to say that I understand your concern and how it might feel similar. But there are plenty of entities out there who can watch us. I suspect all eyes feel the same when aimed upon us in such a way."
Kerennya glances up at the sky.
Ruea fixes Anuril with a serene, lofty stare.
Ezerak quietly says, "Certainly some things to think about, at the least."
Waydren asks, "I suppose the moment came and went, eh Ruea?"
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.
Aerilia nods to Asildu.
Ruea smiles at Waydren.
Elurora nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Ruea says, "It did."
Anuril raises an eyebrow in Ruea's direction.
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Waydren shrugs.
Ruea says, "And I don't know if we know more or less now."
Waydren says to Asildu, "You mentioned us knowing less about the Heralds than you anticipated."
Ruea asks Asildu, "Do you have any further thoughts from which we might benefit?"
Tirost asks Asildu, "You believe it was not the Heralds who were watching us?"
Saragos asks Asildu, "Let me try to put this another way. Start with the assumption that the Heralds took our people either by accident, because it was less effort to wipe them off the board to stop something they considered bad, and they didn't really understand how much we'd care. Or didn't care that we'd care. Starting from that assumption, what would you do?"
Xionara softly says, "Wait... being... watched... by .. many... eyes..."
Waydren says to Asildu, "Perhaps in part we know little of the Heralds, who were reliant on the balance of life to continue cultivating as they long ago chose to focus on what good they could do, and left the Immortals to attempt to contain the blights."
Asildu nods to Waydren.
A nervous tic starts up around Xionara's eye.
Asildu says to Tirost, "Tonight? I believe completely."
Rileos says to Ruea, "Oh we certainly know more. At the absolute worst we know they're lyin about havin our people, which means we're worth lyin to."
Anuril says to Saragos, "I'd not make that assumption in the first place."
Tirost nods to Asildu.
Avrenka asks, "Let's be real ... who else can shut off magic? Who else can change the rules of magic such that spellcasting results in a siphoning of energy? Who else can intercept interplanar communications with no-color fire? Who else can banish people into the 5th dimension?"
Avrenka says, "The suspect list is REALLLY small."
Saragos says to Anuril, "It's a hypothetical."
Alshabi Kamisama goes down.
Elurora glances at Avrenka.
Anuril says, "Well hypothetically, more than one entity can be involved here."
Ruea leans on Rileos.
Sir Imroth just arrived.
Xionara nods at Anuril, obviously agreeing with his views.
Lexxa nods at Anuril, obviously agreeing with his views.
Elurora slowly says to Avrenka, "I think there many things we don't know about. Look at how little we know about the Heralds and they are currently a part of our plane."
Tirost leans on Crobin.
Imroth raises his hand in a quick salute.
Elurora snaps to attention and hails Imroth with a crisp hand salute.
Crobin smiles at Tirost.
Avrenka says, "I'm glad we gave being nice and diplomatic a shot, but c'mon."
Ruea raises an eyebrow in Avrenka's direction.
Xionara chuckles at Avrenka.
Ruea asks Avrenka, "Have we gotten much further with swearing and threats?"
Siendra says, "It's dangerous to hyperfocus on one unknown. It allows others to sneak behind us and continue to wreak havoc while a possible innocent holds our attention."
Asildu says to Saragos, "I don't think I can answer in a sense of what you would personally do. I've stated before, I don't have anyone I care about to the extent you all appear to care for these missing... friends. So, hypothetically, if my friends were taken by someone, I would focus on fixing the imbalance."
Rileos says to Avrenka, "C'mon what? We're gonna punch the Heralds in the face? It's already out of character for them to snatch folks, they'll just erase our dumb asses."
Anuril frowns.
Xionara whispers something to Avrenka.
Avrenka says to Ruea, "I'm not swearing or threatening anyone, but let's be objective about who the likeliest of suspects of this abduction is."
Medir offers Tirost a generous dram of Chelsea Estate's Special Reserve scotch.
Imroth asks, "Did I miss it? Are the Heralds nice and capturing our people was just an accident?"
Asildu says, "But, I state again, the Heralds have no reason to take anyone. This feels... off. There's more to it than meets the eye."
Xionara hums to herself.
Tirost accepts Medir's scotch.
Anuril nods to Rileos.
Tirost beams at Medir!
Elurora slowly says, "When magic first turned off, I felt as if something was taking advantage of things..."
Aerilia nods to Asildu.
Elurora shifts her weight.
Medir flashes a wide grin.
Waydren raises an eyebrow in Asildu's direction.
Ruea nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Anuril says to Saragos, "Saying the heralds kidnapped people is like saying the sky kidnapped people, or time kidnapped them. It doesn't parse."
Ezerak ponders.
Imroth ponders.
Intern Rhainn just arrived.
Ruea says, "Two things can happen at the same time as the result of two different parties abusing one situation."
Tirost says to Medir, "Thank you. I am in your debt."
Casari asks, "Wait, haven't we seen time kidnap Gorbesh?"
Anuril nods to Ruea.
Elurora nods to Ruea.
Ruea says, "We see that all the time at events."
Tirost smiles at Medir.
Ezerak asks Asildu, "Could it be possible that...it could be a single Herald? Or a small group of them?"
Aerilia asks, "Was it Liraxes the other evening that suggested another entity may be taking advantage of the situation?"
Binu asks Asildu, "Do you have any suggestions on how we can correct this imbalance?"
Anuril smirks at Casari.
Tirost puts his scotch in his watersilk bag.
Saragos asks Asildu, "Let's follow that thread down. If they don't know, or don't care about companionship, and maybe don't even know about our friends, why would that make our friends be returned?"
Avrenka says, "Why is it so hard to believe the Heralds would come and intervene by abducting 5 people? They have intervened in our history multiple times."
Rileos nods to Aerilia.
Bookkeeper Parkons just arrived.
Ruea asks, "If I throw a party and someone robs half the people there, did I plan the robbery or did they take advantage of the gathering?"
Miraeven nods to Saragos.
Anuril says to Avrenka, "Loudly and flashily and with perfect manicures."
Avrenka says, "They are not so alien to our Realms to not be familiar with our society and its workings."
Elurora asks Avrenka, "But they have always done so in an up front way. They basically showed up and said 'Stop it.' Why would they do it differently this time?"
Anuril says to Avrenka, "That doesn't sound like what happened here."
Asildu says, "One moment... that's several questions, and I remain only one mind and one pair of lips."
Waydren smiles at Asildu.
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Sofina says to Ruea, "Depends on if you were given half of what was stolen."
Miraeven quietly says to Saragos, "Sounded oddly akin to ransom or blackmail to my ears."
Rileos says to Elurora, "Well, something -did- show up and say stop it."
Waydren says to Asildu, "Several questions from several parties."
Rileos says to Elurora, "Which is what I'm still stuck on."
Asildu nods to Waydren.
Imroth smiles at Sofina.
Elurora says to Rileos, "Not in quite the same way."
Avrenka says to Anuril, "We have records of Sildua attempting subterfuge between mercenary armies."
Lexxa says, "I really believe something else is at play and we are missing it."
Ruea winks at Sofina.
Kethrai says to Rileos, "Did they? I don't recall anyone telling me to stop anything."
Elurora points at Lexxa.
Crobin smiles at Leayne.
Rileos says to Kethrai, "Yeah, big voice yelled at us to shut the hell up and magic ended."
Waydren raises an eyebrow in Asildu's direction.
Imroth looks thoughtfully at Rileos.
Kethrai says, "That happened after the abduction and after we returned."
Rileos nods.
Saragos says to Anuril, "I never thought that they took our friends on purpose. Imagine a log fell out of your fireplace and caught your rug on fire. You rush to put the log on fire, and roll the rug away from it, and in the process, don't know or care that you flug a few ants on the carpet across the room. If all the ants help you put out the fire, you're not going to go looking for the lost ants."
Rileos says, "S'what I'm talkin about."
Aerilia says to Avrenka, "Past accounts of Herald actions could be made up or inaccurate for all we really know."
Imroth nods to Saragos.
Ruea quietly says, "Please remember that I requested peaceful and rational behavior for my entire event, not just the chanting portion."
Asildu says to Ezerak, "Based on my research, I would say it's unlikely. The Heralds, as full Heralds, not semi-mortal Heralds, work toward the same goal."
Elurora nods to Ruea.
Kethrai says to Rileos, "And they didn't tell us to stop what we were doing. They demanded silence for a roisan, and got it."
Ezerak nods to Asildu.
Imroth says, "Maybe they had a headache."
Saragos says to Kethrai, "They said what we were doing was, 'Unacceptable,' first."
Parkons says, "He is all we've heard from."
Parkons points at Asildu.
Ezerak asks Asildu, "No chance that may have changed?"
Rileos says to Kethrai, "Yeah, which leads us back to what -can- do that? A Herald could, and would. I got nothin else on the short list."
Crobin nods to Parkons.
Kethrai says, "Or maybe they were trying to track whatever magic had been cast to open the prison, and we were making it difficult by being so noisy."
Saragos nods to Rileos.
Rileos asks Kethrai, "I'm willin to believe the Heralds didn't snatch folks cause it's entirely out of character for them, but what else can do that?"
Anuril nods to Kethrai.
Elurora rubs her head.
Sofina says to Kethrai, "Thats what I've been thinking."
Brisknite ambles into the room with an air of confidence. He glances about himself in recognition, absorbing the sights and sounds of the day.
Asildu says to Binu, "As for suggestions to correct the imbalance, I remain of the same suggestion I've had since I first arrived here. The suggestion most people disdain. Sorcery is the cause of the imbalance, which means a cessation of it would be the cure."
Saragos says to Rileos, "Exactly. If Demons could shut off magic, they would have done it before."
Rileos nods to Saragos.
Aerilia says to Saragos, "Maybe it was unacceptable not because it was sorcerous, as we've assumed, but because it was on track to uncovering their identity."
Avrenka says, "If anyone can name any other entity that can (1) stop magic; (2) change the rules of magic; (3) intercept interplanar communication with no-color fire; (4) imprison into the 5th dimension ... I'm all ears. Please enlighten me."
Kethrai asks Rileos, "Why assume that the people who opened the prison and the people who showed up later to turn off magic are the same group?"
Parkons nods to Saragos.
Leayne ponders.
Crobin grumbles.
Rileos says to Kethrai, "That'd be some awful coincidental timin otherwise."
Saragos nods to Avrenka.
Imroth says, "Not casting sorcery isn't going to bring our people back."
Ezerak asks Avrenka, "Are you so certain that the Immortals could not do any of those things?"
Ruea says, "Demons could have created a set of circumstances that would require the Heralds to turn off magic and used the opportunity to grab a few people."
Xionara nods at Imroth, obviously agreeing with his views.
Anuril exclaims to Rileos, "Not if your job is to police the use of sorcery!" Asildu says to Saragos, "I can't speak for who has your friends or what would cause them to be returned. But if you helped to cure the imbalance, the culprit might just show themselves."
Anuril flails his arms about.
Kethrai says, "I dunno, the kind of sorcery required to open the prison feels like the kind of thing they'd have big... noisy alarm bells for."
Kethrai nods to Anuril.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Nothing in our history records suggest they have demonstrated any of that."
Ruea quietly says to herself, "The rational women. Leaving me in a sea of men with their feelings turned on high gear."
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Not even ancient whispered stories."
Xionara chuckles at Ruea.
Elurora slowly says, "We know that there many planes, and that there are likely ones we don't even know about. We know things have come from other planes before. Maybe we have attracted something our magic, or maybe it just happened upon us."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "But nothing has said they cannot."
Rileos says to Anuril, "But they ain't sorcerers. Hell, they let the sorcerers out."
Tirost says to Asildu, "We are being told that message with very different methods offered for how to correct the imbalance."
Waydren says to Ruea, "Thank you for organizing this event. I asuppose I have received all of the answers I will tonight."
Waydren shrugs.
Rileos blinks.
Lexxa coughs.
Waydren says, "Be well, Ruea."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "They've certainly fundamentally changed magic before."
Lexxa folds her arms across her chest.
Ruea says to Waydren, "Thank you for attending darling."
Anuril shakes his head.
Kethrai says to Rileos, "But maybe. The Heralds. Weren't the ones who abducted the people."
Ruea says to Waydren, "Be well."
Crobin stands near Leayne.
Kethrai says, "Maybe the Heralds came after to investigate."
Saragos says to Asildu, "I've spent my life trying to get people to stop Sorcery, and refrained myself, so don't you preach to me on that front. Right now, I'm going to be selfish and get my wife and friends back first, and solve the other problems later."
Leayne leans back against Crobin with a loving smile.
Avrenka asks Ezerak, "Elaborate?"
Sofina says, "Or its possible they intervened to prevent something worse from happening."
Ruea glances at Saragos.
Imroth nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
With a waver like a mirage, Waydren fades into view.
Miraeven just left.
Waydren sighs.
Asildu says to Saragos, "I'm not preaching so much as answering questions, at present."
Imroth says, "Our people are my priority as well."
Ruea quietly says to Saragos, "Dalring, please."
Ezerak says, "While I am not entirely convinced that it is not the Heralds, I think it would be foolish to not consider there may be another culprit."
Rileos says to Kethrai, "I've already agreed to that, why are we arguing? I'm sayin the list of beings that can do any of that is extremely small and consists entirely of Herald so I got no goddamn idea."
Waydren quickly covers his eyes, mouth, and ears, points forward and waggles his finger, shakes his head, cups his hand to his ear, shakes his head, walks his fingers across the ground, sweeps his hand under his chin and then holds his two index fingers side by side.
Waydren shakes his head, holds up two fingers and brings one close to the other, points forward and waggles his finger, quickly covers his eyes, mouth, and ears and then holds his two index fingers side by side.
Lexxa nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Avrenka nods at Rileos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Waydren shakes his head.
Waydren scoffs.
Ruea gazes up at the sky.
Siendra nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Aerilia nods.
Leayne puts her branch on a large fire.
In the blink of an eye, Waydren disappears into his surroundings.
Lexxa asks, "We've been forcing a fit for the Heralds this whole time, might it be someone else?"
Kethrai says, "Demons can abduct people into strange planar prisons. Happened to me..."
Imroth says, "But if fixing whatever imbalance this is is a means to that end I guess we should focus on that."
Avrenka asks Ezerak, "I'm open to all ears. Are you saying it's one of the Immortals behind this then?"
Medir gives Allye a gentle poke in the ribs.
Allye grins at Medir.
Kerennya tilts her head, clearly curious about something.
Crobin shakes his head.
Medir grins at Allye.
Anuril nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.
Xionara nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.
Elurora gazes off into the distance.
Leayne takes a sip of her jewel.
Asildu says to Tirost, "I can understand your frustration with that."
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Don't just say "You could be wrong about it being the Heralds" but not offer an alternative solution. That is unhelpful."
Tirost says to Saragos, "I don't think the Heralds or their messengers will help us get back those who were taken, but they can help us understand the imbalance, though we must consider their points of view and motivations."
Lexxa says, "No clue who, but tonight makes me believe it's not the Heralds."
Rileos says to Kethrai, "Me too, that didn't look like that."
Medir nods at Allye, obviously agreeing with her views.
Asildu says, "I apologize. I'm still working on recalling all the questions."
Asildu clears his throat.
Ezerak raises an eyebrow in Avrenka's direction.
Sofina nods to Tirost.
Kerennya pats Asildu on the back.
Ruea says to Avrenka, "Manners."
Lexxa nods to Asildu.
Kethrai says to Rileos, "From what I heard from others that got abducted, each of the prisons looked different. They were all... tailored to their particular demon's tastes. Maybe there's a new one out there who's really into minimalism."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "We've named several possibilites. I cannot help it if you refuse to hear them."
Medir mutters to himself.
Rileos says to Kethrai, "I sure hope not, I'm a maximalist at heart."
Medir looks at Allye and sighs.
Medir walks down.
Tirost says to Asildu, "You have shown great courage in coming, and we are greatful for your help and insights."
Asildu nods politely to Tirost.
Crobin chuckles.
Ezerak nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.
Rileos glances up at the sky.
Lexxa says to Asildu, "Aye, thank you for your help."
Saragos says to Tirost, "If they took my wife, I really don't care about their motivations. I don't care if they did it for good reasons. I don't care if it was nothing personal. It's personal to me."
Xionara sighs.
Xionara glances up at the sky.
Leayne nods to Crobin.
Crobin says, "Alright all."
Ezerak nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Crobin says, "I have promised Ruea I would behave at her event."
Asildu says, "From what I've heard of these other messengers, it sounds like they all come speaking of one common theme."
Asildu says, "Sorcery."
Crobin says, "But I think that time is running short, so I feel we will retire for now."
Tirost says to Saragos, "I hear you."
Crobin hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.
Ruea smiles at Crobin.
Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.
Asildu says, "They all agree that sorcery is the issue at hand."
Imroth nods to Asildu.
Crobin just hugged Parkons.
Kethrai nods to Asildu.
Ruea says to Crobin, "Thank you for attending."
Aerilia nods to Asildu.
Crobin nods to Ruea.
Avrenka frowns.
Leayne hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.
Crobin says, "Thank you for hosting."
Ruea smiles at Leayne.
Elurora quietly asks, "Would it really be that terrible to stop doing sorcery for a time and see if it does help?"
Asildu says, "In some way, shape, or form."
Leayne hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.
Leayne hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.
Binu asks, "What is it about sorcery that bothers these entities?"
Kethrai says to Asildu, "Yep. It's either the cause of or the solution to the problem."
Rileos says to Asildu, "That ain't quite true, but it's a theme."
Leayne softly says, "Be well all."
Crobin says, "I promised to behave."
Leayne waves.
Crobin says, "So I have."
Crobin says, "But...the line is calling my name."
Crobin chuckles.
Imroth waves to Leayne.
Elurora flashes a quick grin at Crobin.
A large fire flutters slightly.
Casari says, "It's mostly inaccurate, really."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "I am just saying that we should allow for other possibilities. An investigator that narrows in on a suspect with no evidence is a bad investigator, and misses things."
Crobin says, "So I shall remove myself before crossing said line."
Crobin pats Imroth on the back.
Kethrai says, "I mean... Alcohol can cure a hangover, I suppose."
Crobin says, "Be well all."
Leayne takes a sip of her jewel.
Imroth waves to Crobin.
Rileos looks at Kethrai, obviously trying not to grin.
Xionara waves to Crobin.
Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "I'm open. Willing to hear you out and why you think it might be any other entity."
Fearless Crobin saunters down, leading his group.
Elurora says to Kethrai, "But it doesn't fix the problem, the hangover is still there waiting."
Kethrai nods to Elurora.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "I asked you to elaborate on the Immortals."
Asildu says to Binu, "Sorcery causes instability."
Tirost says to Asildu, "We hear that message loud and clear. There are some who study magic and sorcery as feverently as you study the Heralds. We'll do what we can to correct the balance, and if any new insights reach you, we'd be grateful to hear them."
Ruea says to Avrenka, "Do you think you have more invested in this than he does? You're being absolutely rude."
Ezerak asks Avrenka, "The Hand of Meraud. What do you know of it?"
Asildu nods to Tirost.
Ruea smiles at Asildu.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Not much."
Elurora quietly asks Asildu, "Have you met Unaka yet?"
Asildu shakes his head at Elurora.
Kethrai says to Asildu, "Some of the others have said it also brings energy into our Plane. And that the problems we're seeing are due to energy flowing out, and if it all drains out we're done for."
Xionara softly asks, "But instibility always bad?"
Asildu says, "I have not."
Elurora gives Asildu a slight nod.
Asildu nods to Kethrai.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Educate me, if you're willing."
Sukidesu says, "Didn't Unaka say that at least Truffenyi said that sorcery was okay in moderation? or something like that? I'm getting all of our guests mixed up."
Saragos says, "All I can say is that I'm going to use magic to get our people back. That's going to start with relatively clean methods. The more times I fail, it's going to get progressively more dirty, if we have to try to reverse engineer the likely Sorcery that took them."
Imroth nods to Sukidesu.
Kethrai says to Sukidesu, "Unaka said Truffenyi said cross-realm casting was fine, but high sorcery was bad."
Sukidesu nods to Kethrai.
Elurora nods to Kethrai.
Asildu says to Kethrai, "Instability can lead to a great many troubles."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "Could have been a creation of the Immortals, one that fundamentally changed magic. We know little of its origin, just the resulting explosion."
Ruea says to Asildu, "You see now why I was hoping a peaceful negotiation would work."
Ruea gives Rileos a wry grin.
Kethrai asks Asildu, "But do you buy the idea of sorcery pulling energy into this plane? If it did, how would it, and from where?"
Avrenka asks Ezerak, "What explosion are you referring to?"
Asildu says, "But, it sounds to me that you are all quite well-versed in the studies of magic. My hope is that those studies will help you all in making an educated decision on which path is the correct path to fixing this imbalance before it's too late."
Elurora gives Asildu a slight nod.
Kethrai groans.
Tirost glances at Aerilia.
Vaerek gives a blue iris a hug!
Ezerak asks Avrenka, "Daervlan, the Lord of the Void. He's been known to sever connection to elemental magics. If a mortal can do it, perhaps the Immortals can, too?"
Kethrai says, "Ask five mages about this imbalance and you'll get twenty answers."
Saragos says to Asildu, "Are you kidding? Have you met the Guilded? Making an educated decision on the correct path is the last thing they're going to do when personal interest is involved."
Imroth nods to Kethrai.
Elurora quietly says, "They all do agree that we are not balanced though, that is at least...something."
Elurora gazes off into the distance.
Rileos runs his fingers through his hair.
Sukidesu says, "Saragos is not wrong."
Saragos says to Asildu, "We need hard data or any attempts to get them to stop Sorcery are doomed."
Mage Slayer Golameth just arrived.
Casari nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Pardon, but could you provide a little more info on that Hand of Meraud explosion thing? So I can do a deeper dive into it."
Ezerak says, "I'm just saying, let's not allow tunnel vision to cause us to miss something, just because we've decided that it must be one all-powerful entity over another."
Tirost nods to Saragos.
Aerilia nods to Ezerak.
Siendra nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Elurora nods to Ezerak.
Asildu asks, "Maybe... and I don't think anyone will like hearing this, but... maybe the personal interest is what is blinding people from seeing the correct path?"
Saragos says, "I'm certainly not going to take up the stinking torch."
Ezerak nods at Asildu, obviously agreeing with his views.
Anuril quietly says, "I need a drink..."
Rileos says, "Nevermind that stopping -all- sorcery in the entire world is functionally impossible for us to do."
Ruea quietly says, "Oh that's absolutely what's happening."
Lexxa nods at Ezerak, obviously agreeing with his views.
Binu asks, "Do these beings differentiate between sorcery in the same way we do? Low sorcery, high sorcery, necromancy?"
Rileos waves dismissively.
Sukidesu nods at Rileos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Kethrai gets a slender glass of Triage Overflow topped with a spun sugar lotus from atop a pink-checked cotton cloth.
Kethrai offers Anuril a slender glass of Triage Overflow topped with a spun sugar lotus.
Anuril accepts Kethrai's Triage Overflow.
Tirost says, "Not only that, but the cessation of all sorcery would require making that happen outside of the consent of casters. Necromancers will never give it up, and they cannot be destroyed by mortal means. That reality must be faced."
Kethrai takes a sip of his Overflow.
Raising his Triage Overflow to Kethrai, Anuril gives him a toast.
Ezerak asks Rileos, "No, but if we all do our own part, perhaps we'll get closer?"
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Sukidesu asks Asildu, "Would you say that me, as an empath, casting Bless is...bad?"
Xionara softly says to Tirost, "Yes yes. Exactly."
Kethrai says, "We've never been told that what is needed is the cessation of all sorcery."
Rileos says to Ezerak, "I know lots of folks already have."
Xionara nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.
Rithor goes down.
Imroth says, "I can admit to not having any clue how to fix this."
Kethrai says, "We've been told less sorcery is good and the lesser the better. But not that it's zero or nothing."
Aerilia blinks.
Asildu says to Sukidesu, "It may not seem like it, as the intention might be all for the best... but it's not good for this world. For the balance."
Saragos rolls his eyes.
Asildu says, "But, it appears I've overstayed my welcome at that."
Asildu nods.
Xionara frowns.
Golameth drums his fingers on his bucket rhythmically.
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "I am attempting to recall if there is a book that had more about the Hand of Meraud."
Elurora bows to Asildu.
Tirost bows to Asildu.
Kerennya waves to Asildu.
Ruea says to Asildu, "I hope we meet again."
Siendra says to Asildu, "You are appreciated."
Kethrai bows to Asildu.
Siendra bows to Asildu.
Ruea curtsies gracefully to Asildu.
Kerennya says to Asildu, "Safe paths."
Tirost says to Asildu, "Your wisdom is most appreciated, Scholar Asildu."
Binu says, "Thank you for conversing with us."
Xionara nods politely to Asildu.
Elurora says to Asildu, "It was good of you to come and try to help."
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Aerilia says to Asildu, "Thank you, and good night."
Asildu bows.
Kethrai takes a sip of his Overflow.
Asildu steps into a shadow and is simply gone!
Brisknite nods.
Rhainn curtsies.
Ruea slowly empties her lungs.
Rileos frowns.
Imroth blinks.
Ruea rubs her head.
Tirost smiles at Ruea.
Rileos says, "Gods I still don't like that guy."
A large fire flutters slightly.
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "My own knowledge is regrettably insufficient on the subject."
Saragos nods to Rileos.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "I found a tidbit on it."
Saragos says to Rileos, "I think I was rather well-behaved."
Ruea quietly says, "Some of us will be having a conversation soon about manners, and when to employ them."
Elurora grins at Ruea.
Rileos says, "I dunno what it is but I find him extremely unlikeable."
Lexxa praises Ruea.
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Apparently it was a device stolen from a Moon Mage vault ... no information further on its origins or its creator."
Ezerak says to Saragos, "You were, and I thank you for that."
Ruea quietly says, "Most of you did wonderfully and I could not be more proud. Some of you, I hope your mothers are ashamed of you."
Ezerak nods to Avrenka.
Rileos says to Saragos, "You didn't shoot anybody, we're makin progress."
Kethrai says to Rileos, "Total lack of empathy? Which he freely admits to..."
Lexxa chortles softly at some secret joke.
Imroth asks Avrenka, "When?"
Casari says to Rileos, "He's the kind of guy who would tell us that Meraud really needs lavender."
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "I do not believe this Hand of Meraud artifact applies to your argument."
Vaerek grins at Ruea.
Tirost asks Ruea, "I'm in former, right?"
Tirost grins at Ruea.
Rileos says to Kethrai, "Might be it. Couldn't tell ya, just don't like him."
Ruea says to Tirost, "Currently."
Ezerak says to Kethrai, "I get the feeling he has been away from people for a very long time."
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Rileos.
Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement.
Saragos says to Rileos, "Course you do. He's preaching against Sorcery, but hasn't been walking the walk, or doing the work, or bleeding his blood all these years while other people have. And then he shows up and expects to spout a few words and get his points across."
Rileos says to Kethrai, "This ain't anythin about what he's sayin on the Heralds or sorcery, just him, as a guy."
Kethrai nods to Ezerak.
Sukidesu glances up at the sky.
Ruea asks Saragos, "May I make an obsveration, friend to friend?"
Saragos says to Rileos, "Even if my wife and friends hadn't been kidnapped, I'd still be insulted."
Elurora slowly says to Rileos, "I don't like him either, but he doesn't seem to be trying to lead us astray either. He does seem to believe what he is telling us."
Saragos raises an eyebrow in Ruea's direction.
Tirost says to Ruea, "Thanks for doing this. Things are clearly watching us, and we needed to take action, and you took it."
Saragos says to Ruea, "I think you're going to anyway."
Rileos says to Saragos, "My concern isn't that, though I can see why yours is. What he wants us to do we cannot do. We may as well go try and drink the sea so we can walk to Ratha."
Sukidesu says, "Anyone can believe something with their whole being and still be wrong."
Tirost nods to Rileos.
Ruea says to Saragos, "I'll hold my tongue then. Something you may try at some point in the future."
Rileos says to Elurora, "Oh, this is entirely outside of that, I just don't like him."
Kethrai asks Rileos, "What is that?"
Elurora says to Sukidesu, "I don't think the Heralds took our people either, but not just because of what he's saying."
Xionara softly says, "What if is lying."
Sukidesu nods at Elurora, obviously agreeing with her views.
Ruea says to Tirost, "Thank you. I needed to do something, and this is all I'm qualified for."
Sukidesu says, "Yes, I agree I don't think it's the heralds either."
Rileos says to Kethrai, "We can't stop all sorcery on Elanthia. We just can't."
Xionara folds her arms across her chest.
Golameth grins at Ruea.
Kethrai says, "He never said we must."
Rileos says to Kethrai, "We, personally, can stop, but we can't end sorcery as a practice."
Saragos says to Ruea, "Go ahead and tell me. I've never known you to hold your tongue, and the strain might kill you."
Kethrai says, "A lot of people have said he's said that but he never has."
Ruea says, "Thank you to whomever started the fire."
Ruea gazes at Saragos.
Tirost whispers something to Ruea.
Kethrai says, "In fact I've asked him directly if it's all-or-nothing, and he's said no, that reducing sorcery some is better than none."
Avrenka says, "I suspect many of us don't practice Sorcery ... so he's kinda preaching to the choir here."
Ruea says to Saragos, "You've developed a tendency to vent your anger on whomever stands still long enough to be a target and it's costing us resources."
Imroth says, "Even if we were plainly told that using sorcery is causing an imbalance it would be a mountain of a task to unify everyone to collectively stop using it."
Ezerak says to Avrenka, "Once again, in the absence of definitive proof of anything, I am simply advising against allowing ourselves to narrow our scope to only the Heralds. That is how one misses important evidence."
Burning Torch Talokai just arrived.
Tirost asks Kethrai, "Asildu said that?"
Kethrai nods to Tirost.
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Saragos ponders.
Kethrai says, "Last Overhealers, I believe."
Ezerak nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.
Kethrai says, "Last one I was at, anyway."
Elurora says to Kethrai, "That's why I asked if it would really hurt us to try and stop for a while. At least lesson it."
Avrenka says to Ezerak, "Okay. Understood. I hear you."
Imroth says, "Oh well that's good at least."
Ruea says to Saragos, "If you need to take your rage out on someone, I'll take it. I've been hit by bigger men than you."
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Tirost says to Kethrai, "It's so hard to believe that a few adventurers stopping cross realm casting would bring back balance to the plane and our friends. That makes no sense, no matter how I try to think through it."
Elurora glances at Ruea.
Elurora glances at Saragos.
Aerilia frowns slightly.
Golameth says to Saragos, "She isn't wrong wether you like it or not."
Xionara frowns at Ruea.
Xionara frowns at Saragos.
Rileos says to Tirost, "Hell, I know a lot already have. Ain't changed nothin yet."
Xionara glances up at the sky.
Golameth asks Ruea, "Is this the part where we stand infront of you?"
Ezerak says to Tirost, "Doesn't have to make sense if it works. And there's only so many ways to find out if it works."
Elurora nods to Ezerak.
Ruea says to Golameth, "No one ever needs to stand in front of me. I don't ask for anything I can't handle."
Saragos says to Ruea, "I'm not lost to rage. I'm angry, yes. But there are two ways to solve a mystery. One is to take in the clues, carefully, soberly. Navesi's way. The other way is to shake down anyone connected and see what falls out of their pockets."
Kethrai says to Tirost, "In medicine, we say 'the dose makes the poison.' The more of something you take, the more it will affect you."
Kethrai says, "And your body may have a way of clearing it from your blood, but only up to a point."
Siendra asks, "Have we stopped to ask why these particular people were taken? I mean, I'm sure we have, I mean...finding the why and seeing if that answers a question or two?"
With a waver like a mirage, Waydren fades into view.
Waydren stands near Ruea.
Waydren nods to Ruea.
Saragos says to Ruea, "We've been getting nothing but conflicting, and ultimately empty, messages. There's no new data. There's no proof. It's just people telling us what to do. I would argue the only thing we've GOT on our side is the ability to rattle them and see what they say."
Kerennya says to Kethrai, "And too much of some medicines can be lethal."
Kethrai says, "And as soon as you tip past that point, it starts building up faster than you can clear it."
Waydren says to Ruea, "You speak wise words."
Sukidesu says, "I can't see why an Immortal would steer us wrong though, I put more trust in Truffenyi than some faceless Heralds."
Ruea says to Saragos, "Remember the number five. That's how many people have to come home. Five."
Waydren nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Allye quietly says, "Please excuse me."
Ruea rubs her head.
Cateress Allye goes down.
Ruea just hugged Saragos.
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Xionara takes a sip of her carton.
Ruea says to Saragos, "You're my friend. I care about you. I need you to stay steady."
Saragos says to Ruea, "And remember that there's exactly one person who's made any statements about helping us find those five - Liraxes. Am I yelling at Liraxes? No."
Waydren quickly covers his eyes, mouth, and ears, points forward and waggles his finger, walks his fingers across the ground, quickly covers his eyes, mouth, and ears, holds his two thumbs side by side, cups his hand to his ear, covers both ears in pain, sweeps his hand under his chin and then holds his two thumbs side by side.
Rileos glances at Waydren.
Elurora squints at Waydren.
Waydren nods to Rileos.
Kethrai says to Siendra, "The only thing uniting all the people who were taken, is that they were leading most of the research into wild magic."
Elurora quietly asks Rileos, "What'd he say?"
Kerennya looks with concern at Waydren.
Tirost nods to Kethrai.
Rileos says to Elurora, "He's dancing."
Casari says, "Unaka did say she'll do whatever once we decide what to do."
Casari looks at Saragos and shrugs.
Siendra nods to Kethrai.
Elurora nods to Casari.
Elurora gazes thoughtfully at Rileos.
Saragos nods to Casari.
Tirost says to Casari, "I would love to know her thoughts on Liraxes' machine."
Golameth says to Saragos, "@saragos um Valenal offered to help you send a message you quickly dismissed as contacting the Lord of the Void."
Kethrai says, "Some practice sorcery, some don't. They come from all different guilds. Different provinces. Different groups."
Saragos says to Golameth, "I'm taking him up on it, actually."
Saragos says to Golameth, "I just don't think it's going to work."
Waydren says, "Good."
Severei just arrived.
Brisknite asks, "Who's the lord of the void?"
Voidwalker Itaro just arrived.
Elurora rubs her head.
Golameth says, "Then don't say only one avenue has been offered, when each has in their own way."
Waydren says to Ruea, "You have showed Wisdom this eve. Your words are worthy of respect."
Ruea smiles at Waydren.
Waydren bows to Ruea.
Waydren holds up five fingers.
Tirost says to Brisknite, "One of the greatest of living Warrior Mages, who is tasked with the protection of our plane."
Ruea says to Waydren, "Thank you darling. I just wish I could be more helpful."
Ezerak says to Saragos, "To be fair, Liraxes...it only seemed to be willing to help because it believes the probability of retriving them is the best outcome for balance. It said that retriving them isn't necessary."
Rileos says to Ezerak, "I'll take the help of somethin that don't give a damn just fine, still help."
Brisknite nods to Tirost.
Saragos says to Ezerak, "I don't care why they're willing to help, so long as I can get them to do it."
Avrenka nods at Rileos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Waydren says to Ruea, "You started us down a trail uncertain of its conclusion. You could have sat and waited. You could have recklessly shouted your intent. Instead, you walked the knife's edge of Balance between them."
Kethrai says to Ezerak, "That's by definition. If the world is destroyed, we can't get our people back."
Ruea says to Ezerak, "I could not have handled tonight without your thoughtful invitation to Asildu. This would have been a wasted effort."
Avrenka nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.
Ezerak nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views.
Waydren says to Ruea, "In this, you have shown your Instinct to be honed."
Ruea smiles at Waydren.
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Ruea says to Waydren, "Darling, you're going to make me blush."
Ruea sighs.
Siendra says, "Excuse me, I should be heading to bed. I wish you all a good night."
Ezerak says to Ruea, "Thank you. I am still not sure what we've learned, exactly, but it is something."
Tirost says to Ezerak, "You're right. But building its machine is one of the most achievable actions we can take right now, though I think Unaka's take should be considered first."
Siendra says to Saragos, "Stay strong, friend. We're here for you."
Tirost nods to Siendra.
Siendra says to Ezerak, "And you."
Waydren covers both ears in pain, walks his fingers across the ground, sweeps his hand under his chin, holds his two index fingers side by side, cups his hand to his ear and then covers both ears in pain.
Ezerak smiles at Siendra, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.
Saragos says to Ruea, "I want to make something else clear. I'll do whatever it takes to get them back. If I have to grovel. If I have to beg. If I have to form the Heralds' own Hounds of Rutilor and hunt down Sorcerers. I don't care. What I won't do is take vague orders about how I should solve the other problem first and maybe everything will work out ok."
Ezerak hugs Siendra, who wraps her arms around Ezerak with a warm smile.
Siendra hugs Ezerak, getting a smile in return.
Siendra hugs Elurora, getting a smile in return.
Siendra hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Siendra with a warm smile.
Anuril dryly says to Tirost, "I can tell you what Unaka's take will be: Wow, um, can you slow down? Alright, let me think... Hmm, that's a lot of crystals."
Ruea says to Saragos, "We literally can't do this without you, or Ezerak, or Madigan. I apologize if I've been harsh. I'm worried sick and this, this diplomacy and these questions, are the absolute only thing I'm qualified to do."
Anuril takes a sip of his Overflow.
Siendra hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Siendra with a warm smile.
Waydren grunts at Ruea.
Tirost smiles at Anuril.
Kethrai gives Anuril a wry grin.
Imroth grins at Anuril.
Siendra curtsies.
Saragos nods to Ruea.
Lady of Frostbite Siendra pads down.
Saragos quietly says to Ruea, "Sorry. I did take my anger out on you."
Ruea says, "Unless you think the Heralds would like to watch a play about the dangers of sorcery."
Kethrai says, "Unaka is lovely but is not a planar theorist."
Anuril nods to Kethrai.
Ruea smiles at Saragos.
Ruea says to Saragos, "It's okay. I told you to, I'm stronger than I look."
Xionara glances up at the sky.
Rileos pats Saragos on the back.
Waydren searches around for a moment.
In the blink of an eye, Waydren disappears into his surroundings.
Kerennya puts her leaves in her large mortar.
Ezerak says to Saragos, "We all know you'll do whatever it takes. So let's all figure out just what it DOES take."
Ezerak lays his hand on Saragos's arm.
Tirost says to Kethrai, "Do you think she would have a sense of whether something would be useful or not by her connection to the Immortals? Asildu had the right of it when he said I trust them most."
Observer Amailia just arrived.
Rileos flashes a quick grin at Tirost.
Ruea quietly says, "Could we figure it out somewhere inside? With a fire? And less snow? I'm in heels and I'm wet, none of this is nice."
Aerilia glances up at the sky.
Rileos nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Saragos says, "I wish it were as easy as sucking up to the Heralds. I'd make all the nice sounds, I'd do exactly what they said. So long as I had some notion that theyd do what I need them to."
Aerilia nods at Ruea, obviously agreeing with her views.
Tirost smiles at Ruea.
Kethrai praises Xionara.
Rileos joins Ruea's group.
Ruea laughs!
Xionara's ears stand up proudly for a moment.
Kethrai joins Ruea's group.
Ezerak asks Tirost, "Out of curiosity, is it the message, the messenger, or the familiarity of the Immortals that makes you inclined to trust that one?"
Ruea says, "If anyone would like to take this conversation indoors please join me and I'll lead us to a bar."
Rileos says to Ruea, "You said you wanted inside, take us inside we're cold."
Aerilia joins Ruea's group.
Golameth says to Ruea, "Mind if i tag along, love to hear more about tonight."
Saragos says to Ezerak, "For me, all three."
Golameth joins Ruea's group.
You hear a voice say, "Careful, Dragon. She is a dangerous one."
Ruea says to Golameth, "I don't mind if you don't."
Saragos joins Ruea's group.
Elurora joins Ruea's group.
Ezerak nods to Saragos.
Amailia joins Ruea's group.
Binu joins Ruea's group.
Xionara searches around for a moment.
Imroth joins Ruea's group.
Ruea says, "Ah yes, dangerous and intimidating."
Ruea winks.
Casari joins Ruea's group.
Itaro mutters something into the air about Defiler.
Rileos chuckles.
Golameth searches around for a moment.
Ruea says, "Leaving in five..."
Tirost says to Ezerak, "I think it is a combination of her vision, and her nature. I believe you know Betlind? Unaka reminds me of her: someone who is called to protect, and there was the prophetic vision."
Xionara joins Ruea's group.
Ezerak says, "I must be off."
Ruea says, "Three."
Anuril joins Ruea's group.
Ruea hugs Ezerak, who wraps his arms around Ruea with a warm smile.
Ezerak just hugged Ruea.
Ezerak nods to Tirost.
Tirost says, "I should take my leave as well."
Ezerak says to Tirost, "Thank you for that."
Ruea says, "Going now."
Ruea waves.
Tirost smiles at Ezerak.
Ezerak hugs Casari, getting a smile in return.
Brisknite joins Ruea's group.
Tirost bows to Ezerak.
(Ruea's group departed. End log)