Ayrell/Logs/Wild Magic 08122024/Valenal on Magen Road

Valenal on Magen Road

Event Date: 08/12/2024

Event Instance: Prime

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, “Hello. It is winter and approaching sunrise. Isn't that good news?”

[General] Your mind hears Rejind thinking, “Sunrise means we can dry herbs soon.”

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, “Yes! Drying herbs is a way to preserve them and enhance their properties for certain preparations!”

[General] Your mind hears Sofina thinking, “What news do you bring us this time Valenal?”

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, "News? New information?"

[General] Your mind hears Sofina thinking, “Yes, sorry. Any new information?”

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, “I do not know.”

[General] Your mind hears Sofina thinking, “I personal approve of your stance to use more sorcery.”

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, “I do not know what information you already possess. If you tell me, I could compare and tell you what is new. Oh! That is excellent!”

[The Crossing, Magen Road]
The whitewashed building before you is stark and functional. A sign mounted on it is hand painted and carved with cunning skill. White-robed figures and all manner of injured and infirm people stream in and out of a double door, leaving thin trails of blood on the spotless pavement. You also see a wide arch and a stone urn.

Golameth says to Valenal, “Oh hello.”

[General] Your mind hears Valenal thinking, “Yes, please do the sorcery!”

Valenal says to Golameth, “Hello there.”

Valenal sniffs at Golameth.

Golameth squints at Valenal.

Golameth asks, “You ok?”

Valenal asks Golameth, “Ah... I think so?”

Valenal quietly says to himself, “Just ask him..”

Golameth spins around!

Valenal quietly exclaims to himself, “No! Stay on task!”

Golameth asks, "Who?"

Golameth asks, "Issete?"

Valenal says, "Um, well..."

Valenal nervously says, "I tried to buy a sausage roll."

Valenal says to Golameth, “But I do not have the right thing to exchange.”

Golameth says, "That is a lovely snack."

Golameth asks, "Money?"

Valenal exclaims to Golameth, "I hope so!"

Valenal ponders.

Golameth asks, "Your were short on money?"

Valenal cautiously asks, "I think so?"

Valenal says, "I made these."

Golameth asks, "Well are you hungry?"

Strawberry Nurse Illiya just arrived.

Illiya waves.

Valenal ponders.

Illiya smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Illiya curtsies to Valenal.

Ice Cold Natarian just arrived.

Fury's Touch Rejind just arrived.

Valenal cautiously asks, "Hungry is when you get to eat sausage rolls because you need sustenance, right?"

Valenal glances at Golameth.

Valenal glances at Illiya.

Golameth exclaims, "It sure is!"

Healer Leilanie just arrived, leading her group.

Illiya says to Valenal, "Hello there, nice to meet you."

Valenal says to Golameth, "Oh, yes! Then that! I am that."

Valenal nods.

Golameth asks, "Want some noodles?"

Leilanie smiles at Rejind.

Laeanni hugs Leilanie, getting a smile in return.

Illiya says, "Oh he does make great noodles."

Leilanie just hugged Laeanni.

Golameth asks, "Or a nice sandwhich?"

Laeanni says to Leilanie, "Thank you for the trip."

Leilanie says, "Anytime."

Laeanni waves.

Valenal curiously asks, "Maybe? What is a noodle?"

Leilanie waves.

Laeanni exclaims, "Bye now!"

Valenal glances at Golameth

Leilanie exclaims, "Bye!"

Golameth exclaims, "I'll show you!"

Golameth roots around the area for a moment.
Golameth forages around the area for a while and manages to collect a pile of branches.

Golameth asks, "Is this your first time ever eating?"

Leilanie shakes her head.

Golameth gets a cypress branch from a pile on the ground.

Leilanie says, "He had a rope once."

Sublime Mender Kerennya just arrived.

Valenal exclaims, "Oh, no, ha ha, of course not. People eat all the time!"

Valenal laughs!

You notice as a tan lynx pads into the area.

The tan lynx begins to watch the goings on carefully.

Golameth says, "Yes people do."

Valenal smiles nervously.

A Prydaen commoner wanders into the area.

Illiya nods at Valenal, obviously agreeing with his views.

Golameth says to Valenal, "But what are you."

Golameth fixes Valenal with a serene, lofty stare.

Illiya closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Golameth draws his arms together in a sinuous, flowing motion before sounding out a roar of deadly warning.

A Prydaen commoner fled to the east in terror!

Peace Keeper Vaddon just arrived.

Golameth gets a vardite World Dragon set with crystalline dragon tear eyes from inside his burlap bag.

Valenal blinks.

Illiya looks over Valenal very closely.

Natarian says to Golameth, "He appears human."

Valenal inhales a great swallow of air.

Golameth points his World Dragon at a cypress branch and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the branch quickly catch fire.
The burning cypress branch glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily.

Golameth drops a cypress branch.

Valenal says to Natarian, "It is very kind of you to say so. Thank you."

Golameth gets a cypress branch from a pile on the ground.

Natarian asks Valenal, "Do you like bagpipes?"

Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south.

Golameth points his World Dragon at a cypress branch and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the branch quickly catch fire.

Leilanie asks, "Can you snap?"

Natarian takes a deep breath and begins playing his bagpipes. A low, steady drone fills the air.
Natarian effortlessly begins a quiet rondo on his shadowbark bagpipes, his eyes sparkling with pride at his hard-won skill.

Natarian's bagpipes continue their melancholy drone.

A burning cypress branch sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Valenal glances at Natarian with childlike curiosity in his eyes. He leans forward to give him a cautious sniff.

A Prydaen commoner does a flourishing dance, ending with a bow.

Illiya says to Valenal, "Us humans gotta stick together."

Valenal says to Natarian, "...maybe? I do not know that I have ever heard a bag pipe."

Golameth drops a cypress branch.

Natarian asks Valenal, "What brings you to Crossing, if not the bagpipes?"

Golameth points his World Dragon at a cypress branch and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the branch quickly catch fire.
The burning cypress branch glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily.

Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived.

Dasheek says, "Ahh."

Peace Keeper Vaddon just arrived.

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

Valenal says, "I was going to eat a sausage roll, and now some noodles..."

Golameth gets a cypress branch from a pile on the ground.

Black Fox Xionara just arrived.

Kethrai blinks.

Valenal says to himself, "Stay on task. There is a job to do."

Leilanie smiles at Kethrai.

You see Avatar of Summoning Valenal, Elemental Conduit of Elanthia, a Human.
Valenal has a round face, savant milky white eyes and a small nose. He has cropped snow-white-streaked red-gold hair, with weathered skin and an athletic build.
He is average height for a Human.
He appears to be young.
He has a thin sparse mustache on his upper lip and a thin patchy beard.
He is in good shape.

He is wearing a deeply-hooded burlap cloak, a heavily scarred arcanist's belt, some rugged black leather boots weathered with scorch-marks, some conjured armor of raw segmented metal plates and some faded pants.

Xionara raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction.

Rejind asks, "Is the job more sorcery?"

Illiya asks Valenal, "Do you have a particular job to do?"

Xionara softly says, "Well, well."

Xionara leans back.

Xionara folds her arms across her chest.

Xionara softly says, "What have here."

Valenal fiercely exclaims to himself, "We are doing very well, thank you!"

Golameth puts his Dragon in his winged unicorn.

Vaddon chuckles.

Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Valenal.

Natarian stops playing his song.

Xionara sniffs at Valenal.

Natarian puts his bagpipes in his black haversack.

Leilanie smiles at Valenal.

Kethrai glances at a Prydaen commoner.

Xionara softly says, "Hrm......"

Dasheek looks over Valenal very closely.

A burning cypress branch sputters suddenly and then goes out.

Valenal nervously says, "Ah, umm...if you would just excuse us for a moment..."

Xionara sniffs at Valenal.

Xionara slinks up to Valenal with fluid grace, curling her tail lazily in the air.

Kethrai frowns over gritted teeth.

Golameth says to Valenal, "No i think not."

Xionara sniffs at Valenal.

Golameth says to Valenal, "We asked what are you."

Xionara softly says, "Hrm. Nice hair, nice nice. Very nice."

Leilanie cautiously asks, "Who is us?"

Mathematician Avrenka just arrived.

Xionara whistles a few low, warbling notes to Valenal.

Natarian gets a Damaris greatsword from inside his black haversack.

Illiya gets a tinted monocle from inside her encompassing shadows.

Avrenka waves to Valenal.

Illiya peers through her tinted monocle at the Prydaen commoner.

Xionara flirts with Valenal.

Valenal takes a few steps away from the crowd and turns to mutter to himself. He seems to be in the midst of a spirited argument.

Kerennya says to Valenal, "It is okay to be something else."

Illiya puts her monocle in her encompassing shadows. Avrenka says to Valenal, "Hello fellow Human friend, long time no see." Xionara softly says, "Very good shape for age. Sir." Xionara praises Valenal. Xionara softly asks Valenal, "Work out, yes?" Dasheek clasps Illiya's hand tenderly. Xionara gazes at Valenal. Dasheek just took the hand of Illiya and gently kissed the back of it.

Valenal turns back toward the crowd and he seems more focused. As he steps forward he gives Golameth a level look and a nod of respect, before turning to acknowledge Avrenka

Natarian asks Valenal, "Who is this 'we'?" Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna just arrived. Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Valenal. Xionara glances at Golameth. Xionara glances at Avrenka. Xionara softly asks, "Only like men?" Xionara frowns at Valenal. Valenal calmly says, "That is rather a long story." Valenal nods to Natarian. Vaddon grins at Xionara. Golameth says to Valenal, "I am all ears right now." Illiya ponders. Natarian nods at Golameth, obviously agreeing with his views. Xionara sniffs at Valenal. Golameth asks Dasheek, "Would you make a fire?" Kerennya says to Valenal, "Well, we would like to know you better." Valenal calmly says, "But I suppose we have time, and it may help." Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Valenal. Natarian says, "I too, and interested in the storyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy." Natarian coughs. Natarian says, "Story." Xionara softly asks, "So, what sorcery do suggest?" Dasheek ponders. Dasheek forages around the area for a while until he finds a walnut branch. Xionara angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Valenal. Xionara softly says, "Do tell, want to hear allllll about this." Knight of Meraud Tirost just arrived. Illiya babbles something incoherent at Natarian. Dasheek blinks. Dasheek drops a walnut branch. Kerennya waves to Tirost. A sand-hued lynx snarls at Xionara. Tirost waves to Kerennya. Xionara pets her tan lynx. Illiya flashes a quick grin at Natarian.

Valenal blinks placidly. He folds his hands at his belt and seems to sway on his feet as though buoyed on an invisible tide. As the group speaks, he seems to focus on no one in particular.

Dasheek gets a moabi stick from a pile on the ground. Avrenka gestures. A swirling vortex of shadows draws itself from the ground and coalesces into a triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness, which yawns open like a hungry maw. Mathematician Avrenka went through a triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness. Dasheek looks at Golameth and shrugs. Illiya peers through the black Moongate. Golameth peers through the black Moongate. Xionara gazes at Valenal. Dasheek touches a moabi stick, and it quickly catches fire. The moabi stick glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily. Malorna peers through the black Moongate. Xionara ponders. Kerennya touches Tirost with a confident grace and familiar smile. Mathematician Avrenka came through a triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness. Ice Cold Natarian went through a triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness. Leilanie peers through the black Moongate. A triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness collapses in on itself. Avrenka says, "Whooops." Valenal calmly says, "Let us sit and talk, then. I will tell you my story and then we can see where we go." Tirost smiles at Kerennya. Avrenka gestures. A swirling vortex of shadows draws itself from the ground and coalesces into a triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness, which yawns open like a hungry maw. Xionara softly asks Avrenka, "Oh, back for more?" Illiya beams at Valenal! Dasheek says, "Feed it." Leilanie smiles at Valenal. Xionara laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement. Ice Cold Natarian just arrived. Natarian blushes a splotchy, mottled color. A triangular black Moongate filled with a stormy darkness collapses in on itself. Rejind nods to Valenal. Illiya says to Valenal, "We are all very interested to hear your story." Avrenka says, "I am here for the free exchange of information." Dasheek touches a burning stick, and it quickly catches fire. Tirost nods to Valenal. The stick glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily. Xionara nods at Avrenka, obviously agreeing with his views. Dasheek gets a moabi stick from a pile on the ground. Kethrai carefully says to Valenal, "That sounds great." Xionara softly says to Avrenka, "Tried flattery... not sure was very good at it." Golameth gets a vardite World Dragon set with crystalline dragon tear eyes from inside his winged unicorn. Xionara scratches one ear, looking bemused. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth points his World Dragon at a fir limb and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the limb quickly catch fire. The burning fir limb glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily. Golameth drops a fir limb. Tirost looks over Valenal very closely.

Valenal ponders. Golameth points his World Dragon at a fir limb and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the limb quickly catch fire. The burning fir limb glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Dasheek touches a moabi stick, and it quickly catches fire. The moabi stick glows brighter until it begins to burn steadily. A burning fir limb sputters suddenly and then goes out. Valenal slowly empties his lungs. A burning moabi stick flutters slightly. Dasheek glances up at the sky. Golameth drops a fir limb. Golameth points his World Dragon at a fir limb and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the limb quickly catch fire.

Golameth gets a moabi limb from a pile on the ground. Leilanie takes a seat near Valenal. Malorna closes her eyes for a moment and grows still. Natarian says to Golameth, "Careful you don't burn something you don't mean to." Dasheek says, "There you go, didn't need me at all." Golameth puts his limb on a burning fir limb, creating a small fire. Valenal calmly says, "My name was Valenal, as I have told you. I am, was, a researcher." Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Illiya nods to Valenal. Golameth puts his limb on a small fire. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Dasheek drops a burning stick. Malorna searches around for a moment. Tirost folds his arms across his chest. Golameth puts his limb in his winged unicorn. Golameth puts his Dragon in his winged unicorn. Valenal calmly says, "My particular area of expertise was in inter-planar communication and travel." Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth puts his limb on a small fire. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth puts his limb on a small fire. Kerennya gets some crushed aevaes from inside her large mortar. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth puts his limb on a large fire. Golameth asks Valenal, "Where do you come from?" Golameth gets a silversteel soup pot stamped with cleaver-wielding goblin chefs from inside his burlap bag. Valenal speaks slowly and calmly, his words coming with the rythym of an ocean wave lapping at a beach. He takes a deep breath as he considers Golameth's question. As Golameth waves his pot over a large fire, the smell of rich, golden peccary broth fills the air wafting out from Golameth's pot! Golameth gets a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions from inside his soup pot. Golameth moves a silversteel soup pot stamped with cleaver-wielding goblin chefs to his left hand. Golameth moves a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions to his right hand. Golameth offers Valenal a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions. Leilanie pets the grey cat. Valenal calmly says to Golameth, "In a sense, I am from the Crossing. This is where I was born, and...oh, thank you." Valenal accepts Golameth's firm noodles. Golameth says, "Have a bite while we talk, sit and stay awhile." Valenal accepts the offered noodles but seems to forget them immediately, holding them casually in his hand. Xionara frowns at Valenal. Kethrai asks Valenal, "You said your name was Valenal, and you were a researcher. Why past tense?" Xionara softly says, "Suspicious." Leilanie nods to Kethrai. Golameth asks Valenal, "Where do you come from now?" Xionara frowns. Xionara softly says, "Very suspicious." Xionara taps her nose. Valenal calmly says, "These are the complicated bits." Valenal slowly empties his lungs. Avrenka says, "Friends, let us allow Valenal to tell his story before we ask him many questions." Kethrai says, "Try us, we're getting accustomed to outlandish stories." Leilanie nods to Avrenka. Natarian nods at Avrenka, obviously agreeing with his views. Illiya flashes a quick grin at Kethrai. Golameth says to Valenal, "I am a simple Elf and think in simple terms, it uncomplicates things." Tirost nods to Rejind. Golameth says to Valenal, "Less messy less wild." Xionara pets her scruffy leopard. Malorna beams! Valenal calmly says, "I engaged in a line of cutting-edge research that promised to open incredible new avenues of exploration to our guildsmen." Valenal nods to Tirost. Valenal says, "I see several Warrior Mages in the audience. If you know your planar theory, you can imagine the sorts of things I might mean." Xionara lectures, "Welcome, students to tactics about GMNPC interactions in game" Xionara snickers. Malorna grins. Natarian scoffs. A large fire flutters slightly. Valenal says, "My research was groundbreaking, but also dangeorus and unsanctioned." Dasheek says, "The best kind.." Illiya gazes thoughtfully at Valenal. Tirost asks Valenal, "You were researching elemental planes, or something else?" Xionara frowns. Leilanie gazes at Valenal with a sympathetic look on her face. Xionara shakes her head. Xionara looks over Valenal very closely. Valenal says to Tirost, "Communication between the planes. Information exchange." Tirost nods to Valenal. Valenal calmly says, "Which in theory is impossible, but in practice is...well...not the best idea, as it turned out." Kethrai angles his ears forward, eyes bright with curiosity.

It appears that the deeply-hooded cloak can be draped over the shoulders. It appears that the arcanist's focus can be worn. It appears that the linen shirt can be worn as a shirt or robe, even with armor. It appears that the arcanist's belt can be worn around the waist. It appears that the black boots can be worn on the feet. It appears that the conjured armor can be worn. It appears that the crackling wreath can be worn on the head. It appears that the conjured gloves can be worn on the hands. It appears that the aetheric shield can be worn on the left arm. It appears that the conjured mass can be worn on the right arm. It appears that the elemental rift can be worn. It appears that the kyanite gwethdesuan can be worn. It appears that the faded pants can be worn like pants or a skirt. Valenal looks well.

Leilanie looks over Valenal very closely. Illiya ponders. Valenal calmly says, "When the time came to test my theories, I could not ask my guild for support. And nor could I expose the mind of a mere intern to the translation matrix I had developed." Natarian says, "Sometimes doing not the best idea is actually the best idea. If you like excitement, of course." A large fire flutters slightly. Xionara winces. Xionara lectures, "Sorry class, didn't realize everyone can see." Tirost thoughtfully says, "Translation matrix..." Malorna just tickled Xionara, who laughs and returns the favor. Golameth says to Valenal, "You were hungry don't forget to eat up." Xionara shifts uncomfortably for a moment. Xionara gazes down at the ground. Natarian says to Tirost, "We already have those." Kethrai asks, "Translation as in language, or translation as in moving in space...?" Natarian says, "Conversations in other languages are just as dull as conversations in Common." Peace Keeper Vaddon strides south. Tirost grins at Natarian. Valenal glances at the plate of noodles. Looking at Golameth, he takes a modest mouthful and chews contemplatively. Valenal takes a bite of the noodles. Golameth says to Natarian, "You should hear the conversations we have about your bagpipes." Golameth nods to Valenal. Tirost laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement. Natarian peers quizzically at Golameth. Valenal says to Kethrai, "That is an astute question, and it turns out the difference is hard to split." Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Leilanie ponders. Golameth puts his limb on a large fire. Golameth gets a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions from inside his soup pot. Golameth offers Illiya a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions. Valenal says, "As I found out." Illiya accepts Golameth's firm noodles. Valenal coughs. Golameth gets a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions from inside his soup pot. Golameth offers Malorna a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions. Valenal quietly says to himself, "This really is easier when you let me do it. I told you." Golameth says, "Ya let him do it." Golameth pats Valenal on the back. Leilanie gazes thoughtfully at Valenal. Tirost says to Valenal, "You're doing well. Please go on." Golameth says to Valenal, "Who is that person, such a bully." Valenal calmly says, "The interface offered me a glimpse into the varied elemental planes, and it offered the denizens of the varied planes a glimpse into me, as well." You notice as a grey cat yawns. Natarian nods agreeably at a grey cat. Tirost nods to Valenal. Valenal calmly says, "A poet whose name I can no longer remember abjured us against staring too long into the abyss, lest the abyss stare back into you." Tirost smiles at Valenal. Tirost nods in agreement. Malorna shivers. Golameth asks Valenal, "What are his poems?" Leilanie wrinkles her nose. Avrenka chuckles. Malorna draws her white cloak around herself. Valenal says, "I know only the one quote. There are a great many things missing, now." Valenal sighs. A strong mana surge slowly makes its way into the area, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Tirost concentrates for several moments, a greedy expression on his face. A strong mana surge is abruptly erased from existence! Natarian asks Valenal, "Are you currently being directed by those from the other planes?" Kethrai praises Tirost. Illiya smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Valenal says, "There are things dwelling in the Planes. Not life, as you would recognize it, but intelligence, after a fashion." Tirost nods to Valenal. Valenal quietly says to himself, "Yeah, some more intelligent than other." Dasheek gestures. Dasheek looks steadier. A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area. Bilberry collapses to the ground as the world seems to stretch and pull around him briefly. Kethrai collapses to the ground as the world seems to stretch and pull around him briefly. A Prydaen commoner staggers slightly as the world seems to stretch and pull around it briefly. A strong mana surge slowly makes its way to the west, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Valenal snickers to himself. Kethrai stands up. Heart Tender Kethrai glides west. Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived. Valenal says to himself, "Would you knock it off, please? We are doing very well." A large fire flutters slightly. Kethrai dusts himself off. Valenal coughs. Xionara softly says, "West.." Black Fox Xionara slinks west. Valenal quietly says, "Anyhow..." Black Fox Xionara just arrived. Black Fox Xionara slinks south. Illiya praises Kethrai. Black Fox Xionara just arrived. Xionara softly says, "Oh." Xionara shifts uncomfortably for a moment. Golameth says to Valenal, "If you like i will happily punch them in the teeth if they keep it up." Valenal resignedly says, "It wouldn't help." Tirost asks Valenal, "YOu communicated with an entity in another plane. Can you tell us what you learned?" Valenal resignedly says, "They would probably find it novel." Golameth looks at Valenal and shrugs. Avrenka chortles softly at some secret joke. Xionara folds her arms across her chest. Golameth says to Valenal, "Offer is there if you want." Kethrai gazes silently at Valenal. Valenal says to Tirost, "I learned, young Warrior Mage, that exposing your naked mind to intelligences with no prior experience and absolutely no sense of personal space is a bad idea." Tirost nods to Valenal. Illiya ponders. Tirost says to Valenal, "A lesson I'll take to heart." Valenal says, "The result is that I am a conduit." Golameth says to Valenal, "For what." Natarian says, "So they are directing you." Xionara raises an eyebrow. Kethrai asks, "A conduit for one intelligence, or multiple?" Malorna gazes at Valenal. Valenal says, "Let me take all of those and rearrange them, a bit." Valenal raises his hand. Valenal says, "Please bare with me." Kethrai gives Valenal a slight nod. Xionara winces. Bennedict quietly asks Golameth, "Where did he get those noodles?" Bennedict glances thirstily at Valenal. Natarian says, "We are all here to learn. Take whatever time you need." Illiya nods in agreement. Golameth says to Bennedict, "I cooked them." Golameth offers Bennedict a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions. Kerennya gets a sympathetic look on her face. Bennedict says, "Well then." Bennedict bows to Golameth. Bennedict accepts Golameth's firm noodles. Kethrai quietly says to Bennedict, "They're very spicy." Bennedict smiles. Xionara shakes her head. Bennedict says, "Thank you." Bennedict loudly shovels noodles and a chunk of peccary loin into his mouth. Illiya takes a bite of the noodles. Golameth asks, "Anyone else like a bowl?" Bennedict coughs. Bennedict says, "Quite spicy." Natarian gets some nacre-bone capped bagpipes with dual shadowbark chanters from inside his black haversack. Bennedict says, "Clears the...." Bennedict coughs. Natarian takes a deep breath and begins playing his bagpipes. A low, steady drone fills the air. Kethrai shakes his head at Golameth. Bennedict says, "Yes spicy." A pained expression crosses Kethrai's face. Bennedict takes a bite of the noodles. Bennedict takes a bite of the noodles. Valenal ponders. Natarian's bagpipes continue their melancholy drone. Valenal says, "Alright. Summarizing and simplifying a bit." Valenal says, "All Warrior Mages are connected, in a sense, to the Elemental Planes through their alignment. We are, in a sense, a tiny bit elemental." Dasheek nods. Tirost nods. Golameth shudders. Natarian scoffs. Golameth waggles his fingers mystically at Tirost. How nice. Natarian says, "Bards should not be left out." Tirost whispers, "Just so." Valenal says, "That enables us to do certain things that I don't need to recap. But with the right protocol, it allows a certain amount of translation." Tirost raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction. Valenal says, "And the elementals can use that protocol to...hitch a ride." Valenal exclaims, "Yeah, we run the human suit!" Valenal mutters to himself. Golameth says to Tirost, "He means you wiggle fingers and get the fire shards." Tirost glances at Dasheek. Leilanie frowns at Valenal. Valenal says to himself, "Would you be serious for five. Minutes." Tirost chuckles at Golameth. Dasheek looks at Tirost and shrugs. Xionara raises an eyebrow in Valenal's direction. Malorna raises an eyebrow. Golameth yells, "Knock it off or i'll remove you from the human suit!" Valenal nods to Natarian. Tirost says to Golameth, "He's explaining, and we're experiencing, something different, I think." Natarian says, "No more need for translation." Valenal says to Natarian, "Thank you. That helps." Valenal takes a bite of the noodles. Tirost asks Golameth, "I think he is something like a familiar... but to what? For what purpose?" Golameth looks at Tirost and shrugs. Tirost gazes at Valenal. Bennedict takes a bite of the noodles. Malorna says, "More like one of the commonors then a familiar." Valenal says, "Our relationship is complicated. Sometimes I am myself. Sometimes I am accompanied by something else...or somethings... some of those things are more irritating than others." Xionara nods at Malorna, obviously agreeing with her views. Golameth says, "I think he has been hijacked by a jerk who needs a rear end rearranging." Xionara praises Malorna. Leilanie gazes at Valenal with a sympathetic look on her face. Malorna says, "And tied to sorcery that way." Kethrai glances at a grey cat. Xionara softly says to Malorna, "Excellent point." Illiya looks with concern at Valenal. Valenal quietly says to himself, "This is booooring." Valenal rubs his head. Kethrai mildly says to Valenal, "I have no idea what you mean." Bennedict loudly shovels noodles and a chunk of peccary loin into his mouth. Bennedict went through a double door. Dasheek asks, "So, when you speak on sorcery, is it YOU speaking on it, or them?" Leilanie stands up. Leilanie dusts herself off. Golameth puts his pot in his burlap bag. Natarian asks Dasheek, "You think there's a difference?" Dasheek nods to Natarian. Natarian says, "They are one and the same." Golameth asks Valenal, "Would more food be less boring?" Malorna says, "Blink twice if you need us to save you." Valenal exclaims, "Yes!!" Valenal resignedly says, "Fine. Whatever it takes." Golameth gets a giant wooden spork carved in the shape of goblin arm from inside his hex bag. Valenal loudly shovels noodles and a chunk of peccary loin into his mouth. Golameth twists the wooden spork through a complicated series of gestures. A rum-infused cupcake topped with sugar-coated tentacles hugging a marzipan ship appears in his left hand! Valenal takes a bite of the noodles. Xionara raises an eyebrow. Valenal takes a bite of the noodles. Valenal takes a bite of the noodles. Golameth moves a giant wooden spork carved in the shape of goblin arm to his left hand. Golameth moves a rum-infused cupcake topped with sugar-coated tentacles hugging a marzipan ship to his right hand. Xionara chuckles at Malorna. Golameth offers Valenal a rum-infused cupcake topped with sugar-coated tentacles hugging a marzipan ship. Valenal accepts Golameth's rum-infused cupcake. Illiya blinks at Valenal. Valenal nods to Golameth. Leilanie pats Valenal on the back. Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Golameth says, "This will blow your taste buds." Illiya says, "He's hungry I guess." Valenal blinks. Valenal blanches. Kethrai says to Valenal, "Please make sure your passenger knows about your need to breathe." Golameth says, "But those elementals have never tasted that." Tirost says to Valenal, "I think I am beginning to understand, but I need you - the you who grew up in the Crossing - to share with us why you have come now, of all times, when wild magic runs rampant, and our friends taken." Natarian laughs! Golameth loops the wooden spork through an extravagant series of gestures. Some crimson soup dumplings stuffed with spicy duck and carrot puree appears in his right hand! Valenal nods to Tirost. Leilanie nods to Tirost. Valenal nods at Golameth, obviously agreeing with his views. Valenal says to Golameth, "They want to experience absolutely EVERYTHIGN." Valenal sighs. Natarian gets a glistening icesteel throwing spork with wickedly sharp tines from inside his black haversack. Valenal says to Tirost, "To business, then." Golameth asks Valenal, "Would they like to expierence death?" Kethrai moves over to guard Valenal. Valenal dryly says to Golameth, "A lot more than I would." Golameth rolls his eyes. Xionara frowns at Golameth. Natarian says, "Ugh, elemental mana is acting up again." Tirost chuckles. Golameth says to Valenal, "That is interesting." Natarian puts his spork in his black haversack. Natarian puts his bagpipes in his black haversack. Xionara softly says, "Don't think that killing this one would end what inhabits." Kethrai nods at Xionara, obviously agreeing with her views. Xionara frowns at Valenal. Valenal tiredly says, "If it makes you happy, go nuts. They will put me back together again." Qij just arrived. Leilanie smiles at Qij. Dasheek asks, "They will?" Tirost asks Valenal, "To business, my fellow researcher. Why have you come now?" Golameth says to Valenal, "Hopefully you can continue on with those snacks, if not we can quiet them with alcohol so you can continue." Xionara softly says, "But, might be necessary to do for other reasons..." Qij hugs Leilanie, getting a smile in return. Leilanie just hugged Qij. Qij quietly says to Leilanie, "LL." Xionara folds her arms across her chest. Qij quietly says to Leilanie, "It's me." Qij quietly says to Leilanie, "Qij." Leilanie nods to Qij. Valenal nods to Golameth. Golameth says to Kethrai, "Nice gesture but it wouldn't have mattered." Valenal slowly empties his lungs. Leilanie says to Qij, "I see that. I am happy to see you." Leilanie lays her hand on Qij's arm. Valenal says, "Alright, to business. The elementals are very concerned." Qij lets out a long sigh of relief. Illiya nods to Valenal. Xionara lets out a hearty cheer for Qij! Golameth says to Kethrai, "Have some dumplings." Qij takes a seat. Golameth offers Kethrai some crimson soup dumplings stuffed with spicy duck and carrot puree. Qij leans forward and rests his chin in his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face. Xionara softly exclaims to Qij, "Hail!" Natarian says, "I will have strong words with anyone who attacks Valenal." Leilanie takes a seat near Qij. Qij looks at Xionara and applauds! Ophidian smiles. Ophidian waves. Kethrai says to Golameth, "Just banking on at least some people who might want to kill him but not be willing to kill me." Qij quietly says to Valenal, "The good guys say Hail." Xionara flashes a wide grin at Qij. Kethrai looks at Golameth and shrugs. Rejind quietly says, "A sentiment growing throughout the Plane, it would seem." Xionara nods in agreement. Malorna waves to Ophidian. Natarian says, "Now is a time to listen, not fight." Valenal calmly says, "Their actual understanding of what goes on in the Plane of Abiding is...very limited." Ophidian waves to Malorna. Malorna nods to Ophidian. Malorna rests her hand on Ophidian's arm with a soft smile. Tirost softly says to Valenal, "You are their eyes and ears here." Xionara frowns. Ophidian nods to Malorna. Ophidian beams at Malorna! Qij tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly. Ophidian waves. Malorna waves to Ophidian. Ophidian says, "Many thanks." Malorna says, "Of course." Illiya smiles at Ophidian, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Natarian asks, "But why the emphasis on sorcery? What gain does that provide?" Kethrai asks, "And their translator, so to speak, I guess. Making the rules of existence here perceptible to them?" Xionara waves to Ophidian. Valenal thoughtfully says, "And their...translator, for lack of a better term." Valenal nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with your views. Ophidian smiles at Illiya. Leilanie asks Valenal, "When you gwethed right now for everyone to use sorcery, was that you or?" Ophidian chuckles. Tirost nods to Valenal. Valenal says to Kethrai, "Yes, that is the thrust of it." Ophidian rubs Xionara in a friendly manner. Ophidian waves. Ophidian smiles. Pit Viper Ophidian canters south. Golameth offers Qij some crimson soup dumplings stuffed with spicy duck and carrot puree. Xionara sighs. Qij just hugged Golameth. Qij says, "Thanks pal." Qij accepts Golameth's soup dumplings. Valenal says to Leilanie, "That is also a complicated question. But for a short answer, yes." Golameth says, "Anything for Qij." Leilanie nods to Valenal. Qij's face lights up with joy. Qij slings a rockwood walking cane over his shoulder. Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. You hear the voice of Sofina say, "We were discussing the joys of sorcery." Illiya asks Valenal, "What are the elementals concerned about?" Valenal nods to Illiya. Leilanie closes her eyes for a moment and grows still. Xionara pets her scruffy leopard. A large fire flutters slightly. Avrenka asks Valenal, "Which elemental planes are you a conduit for? All 6?" The sun climbs higher into the clear sky, bringing with it a pure, clear light that sharpens everything you see with a crystal clarity. Malorna says, "I am interested in knowin what else they want to experience." Sofina reveals herself. Valenal says, "From their perspective, the energetic relationship between their planes and the Plane of Abiding has changed." Qij gestures at Leilanie. Qij's cambrinth prism emits a loud *snap*. Leilanie smiles at Qij. Valenal says to Malorna, "Oh gods, please never say that around them.." Valenal is hugging himself. Dasheek gazes thoughtfully at Valenal. Valenal rubs his head. Malorna raises an eyebrow. Golameth asks Valenal, "How many other conduits do you know of?" Qij nods to Golameth. Illiya looks with concern at Valenal. A large fire flutters slightly. Golameth says, "Or rather are there." Malorna says, "I meant it as informational.. not an offer." Xionara softly says to Malorna, "More like to know what intentions are than interests..." Illiya asks Valenal, "In what way has the energetic relationship between their planes and ours changed?" Xionara glances at Valenal. Malorna says, "Sometimes they are the same though." Malorna nods to Xionara. Xionara nods to Malorna. Xionara softly says, "Sometimes. Not always. And then, might not be truthful anyway." Xionara glances at Valenal. Valenal says to Golameth, "There are others. More than one, less than infinity? THEY know the conduits exist but not who or where... there is no mapping of points in their Planes with points of Abiding in any way ican describe it." Valenal says to Illiya, "To use a simplified analogy, it is as though a drain has been stopped up." Natarian says, "This entire conversation confuses me. It's trivial to connect with other planes and communicate with some that reside there." Malorna says to Xionara, "Sometimes knowing more info gives you more information." Avrenka frowns. Golameth asks Valenal, "Do they have our friends?" Malorna chuckles at Xionara. Illiya ponders. Tirost says to Valenal, "That is an analogy we've heard before in slightly different form." A large fire dims slightly. Xionara softly says to Malorna, "Yes yes, and sometimes more info just gives more questions." Xionara flashes a wide grin. Xionara tilts her ears forward playfully. Xionara just nudged Malorna. Malorna nods to Xionara. Avrenka asks Valenal, "But last time you gave an analogy of a leaky bucket ... now it's a stopped up drain?" Malorna grins. Valenal pulls at his hair for a moment, a look of frustration on his face. You can hear him muttering to himself. Malorna smacks her lips. Kethrai says, "If they are truly Elementals, they don't have our friends. The prison was made of three mana types..." Xionara hums to herself. Golameth pats Valenal on the back. Valenal quietly says, "Please, slowly, this is very hard." Leilanie frowns at Valenal. Natarian says to Golameth, "Fire needs tending." Xionara laughs! Xionara chortles softly at some secret joke. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth puts his limb on a large fire. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Golameth puts his limb on a large fire. Golameth gets a fir limb from a pile on the ground. Natarian praises Golameth. Tirost says to Valenal, "We are grateful for your efforts. We are determined to find our friends, and so we ask many questions." Xionara covers her mouth with her hand. Golameth puts his limb on a large fire. Xionara bops herself over the head. Valenal quietly says, "I am translating what is essentially a...feeling, and a set of perceptions, that is totally alien. And that varies from entity to entity." Kethrai says to Tirost, "Beyond finding our friends, we're determined to find and stop whatever's threatening all life on this Plane..." Tirost nods to Valenal. Illiya nods to Valenal. Xionara nibbles on a plump strawberry thoughtfully. Dasheek asks, "Has anyone thought to ask how to fix the leaky bucket, or stopped up drain?" You hear the voice of Sofina say, "Casting more sorcery." Malorna says, "Candle wax... from a holy candle." Valenal quietly says, "They don't all perceive the same way, and there's no...mapping is the best term I can use...of concepts. Just what I can try to make sense of." Malorna says, "Im sorry made that up." Golameth says to Valenal, "My head is very empty, most filled with glitter, would like you dump a few in there? lets of leg room for them to run around." Illiya begins chortling at Golameth. Xionara softly asks, "What evidence that solution?" Natarian says to Valenal, "I do believe you missed your mark. You speak of research and translation and communicating with those from other planes. You really should have just sauntered over to the bard guild and asked for directions. We have those questions answered already." Xionara nibbles on a plump strawberry thoughtfully. Valenal chuckles at Natarian. Valenal wryly says, "In some ways Bards get it better than we do, perhaps." Golameth says to Valenal, "Because they drink and sing more." Xionara frowns. Valenal says, "In any case, let me try to address some of your questions." Malorna gazes at Xionara. Illiya takes a tiny bite of a hefty bowl of firm noodles piled high with roasted peccary and green onions and chews daintily on it. Valenal says, "First, to reassure you if I can. I do not believe any group of elementals has taken your friends. Apart from having no motive, they..." Valenal ponders. Valenal says, "They don't really understand the concept of "people" as discrete things." Tirost nods to Valenal. Kethrai nods to Valenal. Valenal says, "They are not really conscious in any way that would make sense to you." Natarian scoffs. Kethrai asks, "Or separateness or togetherness as distinct concepts?" Valenal says, "So such a thing would almost certainly not even occur to them to do." Natarian says, "You forget the bards again..." Avrenka says, "Kidnapping and imprisonment is probably a mere mortal concept ... extraplanar beings wouldn't do such a thing, would they." Golameth asks Valenal, "Do they know who did?" Natarian says, "We have deep understanding of those from the plane of abiding." Malorna says, "Or have an impression of who did." Golameth nods to Malorna. Valenal says to Kethrai, "Yes. I...believe they have some individuality, in a sense, in their home planes. But translating here or back changes everything. What appears here is not what left its home." Natarian says, "But I agree. Those from this plane cannot survive on that plane for long, and we have proof that our friends are still alive." Valenal says, "And the reverse is true as well." Valenal says, "All of which I find very disturbing, but it doesn't seem to bother them." Valenal looks at Kethrai and shrugs. Golameth grins at Valenal. Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Golameth says to Valenal, "I bet you got the better looks." Qij quietly asks Golameth, "When did we get friends in order to lose them?" Qij frowns at Golameth. Leilanie looks at Qij, obviously trying not to grin. Valenal calmly says, "I am going to translate what they believe as best I can, in the hope that it helps you all." Golameth says, "Qij on that one day when we have soup." Sofina reveals herself. Tirost nods to Valenal. Malorna nods to Valenal. Illiya nods to Valenal. Qij nods politely. Xionara frowns. Xionara clasps Malorna's hand tenderly. Valenal calmly says, "They believe that a master entity or entities has been stealing energy from the planar system (these are concepts I am mapping onto what I get from them). They do not know precisely who the entities are, because the concept of "entities" is a little rarified for them." Tirost nods to Valenal. Xionara ponders. Valenal says, "But their sense of usage is "something that can tweak the parameters of the universe", or similar to that." Illiya takes a bite of the noodles. Golameth says to Valenal, "Go on." Golameth fixes Valenal with a serene, lofty stare. Valenal calmly says, "I believe them to be referring to the Heralds." Illiya blinks. Dasheek says, "Well now that is interesting." Golameth asks, "Do they know why they need to steal energy?" Illiya says, "Indeed, that is something.." Avrenka asks, "How do they know it's the Heralds?" Dasheek nods to Illiya. Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Valenal says, "One question at a time, please. This is a...an internal jumble you wouldn't believe." Valenal frowns. Valenal says, "And they're fighting me." Natarian says to Valenal, "Relax. You're doing great." Qij quietly says to Valenal, "Some of us get it." Valenal slowly empties his lungs. Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. Tirost nods to Natarian. Golameth says to Valenal, "Tell them i have a very large stick and will put them in their place if they don't know these shennaigans off." You hear the voice of Sofina ask, "When you speak differently, is that one of them talking?" Kethrai quietly says, "And in point of fact, he didn't say they think he's the Heralds, he said HE thinks it is." Golameth says to Illiya, "Why am i the voice of reason." Kerennya nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Illiya pats Golameth on the back. Illiya says to Golameth, "Someone has to be the adult." Xionara glances at an old blind beggar. Natarian asks Golameth, "That was reason?" Qij says, "He meant raisin." Golameth says to Natarian, "Ya, kids stop fighting or i get the stick." Qij nods to Natarian. Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. Xionara blinks at Golameth. Valenal calmly says, "There is a certain metaphysical order that applies to everything in the planar system. A set of rules, if you like. There exist many powerful entities within the system. Immortals, things from the Void... the remnant of maelshyve...and so on." Tirost nods to Valenal.

Kethrai gives Valenal a slight nod. Valenal says, "These things are very strong...they could do the equivalent of throw a wagon accross a field, for example." Valenal says, "But the wagon would still fly in accord with gravity and air resistance, and land in a predictable arc." Valenal asks, "Does that make sense?" Xionara softly says, "Easily." Dasheek nods to Valenal. Xionara nods to Valenal. Kethrai nods to Valenal. Valenal nods. Valenal calmly says, "Alright." Kerennya nods to Valenal. Avrenka says, "Yes." Xionara folds her arms across her chest. Golameth says to Natarian, "I bet Malkien can throw a wagon." Valenal says, "Whatever is doing this, taking energy, is violating the rules. It's making the Wagon fall UP, to extend the analogy." Xionara softly says, "Yes. But no. Gravity here still works." Valenal says, "And the list of entities that can do that, at least to my knowledge, is very small." Kethrai gazes thoughtfully at Valenal. Xionara softly says, "But mana system.." Dasheek nods to Valenal. Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. Valenal says, "It has to be the Heralds. Or a Herald." Xionara shakes her head. Dasheek says, "Hence your thinking it is the Heralds." Avrenka ponders. Valenal nods to Dasheek. Tirost lets out a long, contemplative breath. Illiya asks Valenal, "There's no other possibility of an entity that could do that, other than the Heralds?" Golameth asks Valenal, "Is there a particular entity the elementals don't like? liek a shrew?" Xionara softly says, "Think not... something.. else. Something.. Immortal maybe. Very strange feeling Numinor told myself about..." Avrenka asks, "Asildu claimed that the Heralds act in unison, that they are always in agreement ... perhaps there is a renegade Herald?" Valenal rubs his neck. Xionara frowns. Qij quietly says to Illiya, "That's why they took your friends. To find out." Tirost says to Avrenka, "That thought crossed my mind as well." Valenal says to Illiya, "If that is the case, that scares the hell out of me." Natarian asks, "But why is sorcery the remedy?" Malorna says, "Or an unknown herald." Xionara frowns. Avrenka asks, "But it makes no sense, why would a Herald kidnap or imprison 5 mortals?" Xionara softly says, "Thought Heralds were different than Immortals, higher up somehow, not worshipped.." Qij says, "Not sorcery itself. Just the pattern." Kethrai asks Valenal, "So, would you say that the Heralds don't use magic at all? That beings using magic would be operating... by the rules, and they simply rewrite reality to achieve their aims?" Xionara softly says, "Was thinking more.. World Dragon." Xionara shrugs. Xionara folds her arms across her chest. Malorna pats Rejind on the back. Valenal gives Natarian a worried look, and shakes his head. "I know what they FEEL, and I can speculate about the mechanism." Haalik Showldh Utbrach just arrived. Tirost ponders. Valenal says to Kethrai, "Yes. That, again, is the thrust of it." Natarian says to Valenal, "I'm very interested in your speculation." Kethrai frowns pensively. Avrenka asks, "How does one even attempt to find a renegade Herald, if they can simply rewrite the rules?" Avrenka rubs his head. Illiya says to Valenal, "What is the Herald's motive is what I'm curious about." A swirling vortex of brilliant light spins across the area. Raw energies rupture near Valenal, leaving him looking pale and drained. Xionara concentrates for several moments, a greedy expression on her face. A weak mana surge is abruptly erased from existence! Valenal says, "Sorcery does two things that the Elementals seem to like. First, it breaks down the planar boundary and makes it more porus. That permits more interaction between the planes." Natarian says, "A renegade Herald is nonsense. It's like having dry water." Valenal says, "More translation between the energetic realm they inhabit and the material plane. More chances for them to...be what they are, I suppose is the best way to describe it." Kethrai says to Avrenka, "Maybe there are still some rules they can't violate... Things that would cause contradictions, paradoxes. Like maybe they can't write a solution for 'this statement is false' no matter how they try." Golameth says, "So they, the elementals want more sorcery to come play in our field of wonderful Dasheek quietly says, "Point." Valenal says to Golameth, "That is one sense of it, yes. That process is a natural one, of course...oof, that was a bad one." Golameth puts his spork in his burlap bag. Valenal says, "It happens all the time." Valenal says, "When you light a fire." Valenal says, "When water flows down a gradient." Eleandra came through a wide arch. Eleandra approaches the Empaths' guild, then shakes her head slightly, wandering a few feet away with a look of mingled confusion and concentration. Xionara frowns. Valenal says, "When stone erodes or is created through pressure.." Illiya gazes at Eleandra. Valenal says, "Those things create opportunities for interactions between the Planes." Valenal says, "So Sorcery is not doing something inherently bad or evil, just enabling those and other processes." Illiya loudly shovels noodles and a chunk of peccary loin into her mouth. Avrenka asks, "When you say sorcery, you mean regular cross-realm casting, not Necromancy and Teleologic Sorcery I assume?" Xionara gestures, and an icy snowball forms in her hand. Valenal says, "The second thing Sorcery does is inject energy into the system that the Heralds - if it is them - do not seem to be able to harness." Xionara takes a bite from her icy snowball. Leilanie gnaws on her lip. Golameth says to Valenal, "What if we stopped sorcery how would that effect us." Eleandra says, "I would say that, but the guards and Empath guild leader would not agree with me." Eleandra grins at Avrenka. Valenal says to Avrenka, "In theory, any Sorcery has the effects I described. Though several types may have OTHER effects and I am far from an expert." Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. Valenal ponders. Malorna asks, "I missed it, but were there other conduits like yourself?" Kethrai asks Valenal, "You said 'that was a bad one'... You meant, the mana surge? The interference with casting? Are those related to the... discrete quanta of energy being lost from the planar system that you talked about last time?" Valenal nods to Kethrai. Valenal says to Kethrai, "Yes. And they are." Avrenka says to Malorna, "He said more than one, less than infinity, not sure, location has no meaning in their planes in translation to our coordinate plane." Malorna says, "Thanks." Malorna grins at Avrenka. Valenal ponders. Illiya takes a bite of the noodles. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "So our little theory was right." Valenal says to Golameth, "I will speculate, based on research and my sense of what the elementals are trying to impart." Kethrai asks Avrenka, "To some extent... But I think you determined that sorcerous casting can still lead to mana surges?" Xionara sighs. Xionara softly says, "Of course is related..." Avrenka nods at Kethrai, obviously agreeing with his views. Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Natarian asks, "For those of us who have the ability to summon those from other planes, would having them manifest themselves in this plan also support your work?" Illiya loudly shovels noodles and a chunk of peccary loin into her mouth. Xionara sniffs at Illiya. Xionara softly asks Illiya, "Have more?" Illiya shakes her head. Xionara produces a muffled snap with the pads of her furry fingers. Illiya points at Golameth. Xionara softly says, "Looks tasty..." Xionara softly says to Illiya, "No no, can't bother that one, big and bossy..." Valenal says to Golameth, "If sorcery were to stop, the movement of energy between the planes would decrease as whoever-it-is exerted more control. The overall energetic balance of the system would decrease, and the Plane of Abiding would become metaphyisically stagnant." Illiya grins at Xionara, her dimples flashing into view. Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Natarian says, "We don't want that." Malorna sighs. Malorna says, "Ok dont stagnate things while i sleep. must go." Dasheek says, "Isolation does seem bad.." Malorna hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Malorna with a warm smile. Avrenka says, "Fascinating." Golameth says, "I mean less magic..." Xionara chuckles at Malorna. Golameth gazes at his fingernails. Tirost nods to Malorna. Malorna waves. Golameth says, "Eat more herbs." Xionara softly says to Malorna, "If something more breaks, blame Tirost." Valenal says, "Eventually, the Plane might collapse under its own weight. Assuming whoever it is continues to remove energy." Xionara points at Tirost. Tirost laughs! Malorna nods to Xionara. Leilanie frowns at Golameth. Illiya grins at Xionara, her dimples flashing into view. Malorna glances at Tirost. Xionara nods to Malorna. Illiya says to Xionara, "That's what we've been doing." Malorna exclaims, "Check!" Xionara nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views. Valenal dryly says, "We had rivalries in my day, too, sir." Tirost says to Xionara, "Careful, that's going to stick..." Valenal smiles at Golameth. Malorna waves. Tirost says to Valenal, "What've you shared is very interesting, and I thank you for coming to meet with us." Niliaevat Raesh Isen Malorna goes south. Xionara softly says to Tirost, "Oh me oh my, what would do then..." Xionara smiles and draws a little halo with her index finger in the air above her head. Tirost says to Valenal, "I am called away for now. Good luck with your condition." Golameth grins at Valenal. Xionara chortles softly at some secret joke. Valenal says to himself, "Booooriiiiiing. Do something fun." Valenal sighs. Tirost wanders off. Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Avrenka asks Valenal, "Is there a way we can figure out who is doing this "stealing"? Can we examine a mana surge? Or is there a place where we can see this energy being transferred?" Valenal takes a bite of the cupcake. Valenal ponders. A Prydaen commoner places one arm in front of another, then does a rather impressive tapdance. Leilanie says to Qij, "Whatever that element is, it reminds me of you." Dasheek asks, "Maybe the planar observatory?" Xionara glances up at the sky. Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Natarian asks, "What about the Zengmodaleth?" Valenal says to Avrenka, "I do not know. I believe there must be a... conflict...going on. Something that has caused the Heralds to act clumbsily." Valenal nods to Natarian. Avrenka scans the sky, looking for portents and insight. Imbamin runs east. Valenal says, "That is not a bad idea." Kethrai says to Valenal, "And is there any hope that we could add more energy fast enough to make up for what's being taken anyway? That feels like less of a solution and more of a delay of the inevitable, without dealing with what's being taken." Valenal says, "It may be easier to observe the process from outside the Plane of Abiding." Handy went through a double door. Natarian says, "It's as close as I've ever been to another plane." Golameth asks Valenal, "Is there a better idea from your stance?" Avrenka asks Valenal, "What makes you think that?" Handy just arrived. Handy waves. Dasheek shakes Handy's hand. Illiya smiles at Handy, revealing the dimples in her cheeks. Kethrai observes Valenal with fascination. Valenal firmly says to himself, "Be silent awhlie longer." Handy goes east. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "Perhaps we are not adding more energy to balance, but we would be adding energy that the Heralds cannot manipulate ... giving us leverage." Valenal says to Kethrai, "I do not know. Ultimately, we need to stop whoever is stealing. If it's the Heralds...I am not sure how to do that." Illiya asks Valenal, "What do you think is the Heralds', or whoever it is, motive is for doing this?" Valenal slowly empties his lungs. Valenal takes a seat. Dasheek says, "Um, I think we should probably figure out some answers before we start stopping things.. The why of it matters, too." Natarian says, "If it is a rogue Herald, as impossible as it may be, we would need to entice the others to act." Leilanie cocks her head at Valenal. Valenal says, "That is beyond me. But if I had to speculate? Perhaps they are fighting something and they need the extra juice." Avrenka says, "It's a bit strange though, because Asildu mentioned the Heralds definitely want to not see this plane be destroyed." Golameth pats Valenal on the back. Avrenka says, "And this whole rule changing thing is kinda leading this plane to destruction." Kethrai says to Avrenka, "Well... Not destruction. Stagnation." Natarian says, "Gah. If it's just extra juice they need I'll get my bagpipes." Valenal says, "It would make sense if they perceived themselves to be in danger, and long-term thinking no longer ruled their actions." Dasheek asks Natarian, "You got the juice, huh?" Utbrach covers his ears with his hands. Natarian says, "All of the juice." Xionara softly says, "Yes yes." Xionara nods to Valenal. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "Resulting in "collapse under its own weight." Valenal says, "I have no idea what could threaten them, so." Kethrai says, "If all you care about is occupying the house, you'd be happy to kill the mice in the cupboards." Xionara blinks at Kethrai. Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Valenal says, "But perhaps if you can identify that entity or entities, you will find an ally that you can leverage." Leilanie frowns at Kethrai. Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Sure Footing spell. Avrenka says, "We need to catch them in the act." Avrenka says, "The Planar Observatory." Golameth says to Valenal, "If they, the elementals have any idea of those bad entities, we will happily trade expierences for those conversations." Kethrai nods to Avrenka. Kethrai says, "Or Zengmodaleth, it sounds like. Just, outside the Plane." Avrenka nods. Valenal quietly says to himself, "Booooooooring. So many words! Not a lot of state changes." Valenal gestures. Valenal looks steadier. Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Swirling Winds spell. Xionara softly asks, "Well then. Looking for state changes?" Golameth pokes Valenal in the ribs. Valenal clutches at his head, rocking back and forth. Valenal gestures. A faint breeze surrounds him. Xionara softly says, "Can make it rain." Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Substratum spell. Leilanie frowns. Xionara concentrates intently on Valenal. With the barest whisper of a breeze, a tiny black cloud coalesces above Valenal's head. Xionara softly asks, "See?" Xionara takes a sip of her carton. Golameth says, "Don't do that." Valenal exclaims, "It's so...hard...to make sense of any of it!" Xionara softly says, "State changes." Valenal gestures. A network of thin lines form around him, then quickly fade away. Natarian says to Valenal, "States do not change. They simply are." Kethrai says to Valenal, "Words cause state changes in our minds." Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Y'ntrel Sechra spell. The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Valenal hits himself in the temple with the heel of his hand, repeatedly. Valenal gestures. Valenal seems to move more easily. The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Utbrach begins to carefully examine a great helm. Kethrai observes Valenal with fascination. Xionara softly says to Natarian, "Not true. water to ice for example." Xionara shrugs. "Burn her! Burn her!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Sofina a wide berth! Valenal stands up. Sofina babbles incoherently. Leilanie glances about with concern on her face. Natarian says, "That is water changing. Not the state itself." The black cloud resembles a physical manifestation of someone's bad day. Xionara softly says to Valenal, "Will dry yourself after, worry not." The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Valenal exclaims to himself, "We want to try getting set on fire again!" Avrenka grins. Natarian says, "A dangerous game, that." Xionara softly says, "Water much safer." Golameth says, "Now thats a little rash." Valenal exclaims to himself, "No! It's horribl....y intense!" Valenal nods. Golameth fixes Valenal with a serene, lofty stare. Xionara pats Valenal on the back. Valenal exclaims, "Yeah!!" The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Valenal bounces around happily. Dasheek nods to Illiya. Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Rage of the Clans spell. Valenal exclaims, "You all look like you appreciate a good fire!" Valenal beams! Natarian says to Valenal, "You should not know that spell." Golameth releases a shriek into the air and begins to scan the horizon for enemies! Valenal gestures. A wild fervor flashes in Valenal's eyes. The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Shavay squints at Valenal. Golameth says, "What spell." Kerennya says, "To sit at, not be burned by." Dasheek nods to Illiya. Natarian says, "A bardic enchante." Valenal softly says, "Oh, no...go, please go..." Shavay asks, "Are you a Hound of Rutilor, trying to break the ice?" Leilanie stands up. Valenal begins chanting in a low tone, the words indistinct and little above a whisper. Slowly, he raises his voice, and as he does so you can feel the faint stirrings of warm winds caress your body. You decipher the telltale signs of the Phoenix's Pyre spell. Leilanie dusts herself off. Golameth says to Valenal, "Sit down and have some more snacks." Avrenka says, "Get ready." Kethrai gazes at Valenal. Illiya says to Valenal, "That's a dangerous one.." Valenal softly says, "I CAN'T."

Natarian asks Valenal, "Would you like one of your planar friends to assist you?" Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Fire Rain spell. Xionara softly says, "Fire rain." Natarian juts his chin at Valenal. The air between Natarian and Valenal distorts as if being viewed in a curved mirror. A disgruntled lesser war naga lurches into visibility, tatters of pastel colors wrapped around its serpentine length like a second skin. A sublime, sibilant melody fills the area. The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's gloves ignite, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's neck!

Valenal hurriedly says, "Please go~~." Valenal's gloves flash, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's lower body! Valenal gestures. Swirls of ash, dust and vapor begin to erupt from the ground as the temperature quickly increases. A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards. Leilanie holds her breath. A column of deep grey ash suddenly explodes skyward with an ominous rumble, darkening the immediate area! The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's gloves flash, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's upper body! Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Tremor spell. Xionara gestures, and a strong warm breeze swirls around Valenal. The ground shudders slightly as a dark column-like cloud spreads out, mushrooming in all directions from its center. Swirling cinders begin to drift lazily downward from this pyroclastic cloud as it swells in size. Valenal assesses his combat situation. The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's wreath ignites, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's belly! With the dull roar of unnatural thunder, a pyroclastic ash cloud begins to release a moaning shower of blistering balls of fire!

Eleandra is dealt a vicious stun!

* Eleandra was just struck down! 
* Eleandra is slain before your eyes!

Rejind is lightly stunned! Sofina is revealed! The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and intercepts the attack with a shower of coruscating light. The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off bright waves of light as it resists the attack. The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence and throws off shimmering light in the wake of the attack. A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Valenal exclaims, "State change!!" The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's wreath flares, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a tingling strike to a disgruntled lesser war naga's belly! Valenal assesses his combat situation. Leilanie lays her hand on Valenal's arm. Sofina says, "Huh. Is this really happening." Dasheek says, "Oo, fun." Valenal gestures. The earth beneath your feet begins to shake violently! Xionara is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Kerennya is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Shavay is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Kentara is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Rejind is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth!

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Golameth begins sprinting forward, eyes closed, like a wind spirit too fleet to be bound to earth. He whips through the air, vaulting over Valenal and hurtling behind him with a double kick! Valenal ducks under an armored right foot! Valenal blocks an armored left foot with his aetheric shield! The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's gloves ignite, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's lower body! Kentara scans the area briefly. Shavay stands up. The black cloud looms over Valenal, emitting a faint grumble as it roils with elemental malice. Shavay goes west.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Utbrach manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Rejind shakes with the movement of the ground. Qij is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Xionara shakes with the movement of the ground. Bilberry shakes with the movement of the ground.

Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Thunderclap spell. Xionara softly says, "Yes yes of course." Golameth grabs hold of Valenal in a tight grip. Leilanie tries to pull Qij to his feet, but cannot. The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's wreath flares, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching hit to a disgruntled lesser war naga's belly! Leilanie tries to pull Qij to his feet, but cannot. Mathematician Avrenka goes south. Xionara leaps to her feet! Leilanie pulls Qij to his feet. Golameth draws forth a haledroth tachi with an elegant crystal-bone tsuba. Sofina assesses her combat situation. Golameth takes a full step back and plants his feet firmly. Golameth makes an agile leap towards Valenal, attacking him with a mighty cleave!

Valenal deftly sidesteps Golameth's haledroth tachi.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Natarian is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Rejind shakes with the movement of the ground. Kethrai is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Xionara is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Qij is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Sofina manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly!

Natarian rises to a kneeling position. Natarian stands up. Kentara stands up. The air around a disgruntled lesser war naga reverberates oddly. Valenal's wreath ignites, sending a violet globe of lightning towards a disgruntled lesser war naga!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching strike to a disgruntled lesser war naga's lower body! Musical Enthusiast Kentara went through a double door. Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, buckling and losing much of its mass under the force of the attack. Xionara is obscured as the intricate matrices of crystals around her chest shatter! The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, collapsing under the force of the attack in a silent cascade of glassy fragments that vanish before reaching the ground. Bilberry is lightly stunned!

* Bilberry was just struck down! 
* Bilberry is slain before your eyes!

A Prydaen commoner crumples to the ground, and desperately tries to stand up again. However, her wounds prove too severe, and she relaxes after a moment, her body going still.

Rejind's in shock and dying!

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Golameth sheathes his haledroth tachi. Golameth draws forth a hefty war hammer covered in thirteen diamond-sectioned spikes. Golameth lowers his shoulders and steadies his weapon. Golameth dashes quickly at Valenal, attacking him with crashing blows!

Valenal deftly sidesteps Golameth's war hammer.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Dasheek manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Rejind shakes with the movement of the ground. Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Natarian is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Xionara shakes with the movement of the ground. Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. Valenal gestures. Kethrai shakes with the movement of the ground.

Valenal's actions quickly stir up a ruckus in the area, as annoyed citizens quickly move out of the way. One mentions to his friend that he's off to report Valenal for disturbing the peace.

Healer Leilanie walks south.

Natarian rises to a kneeling position. Natarian stands up. Ice Cold Natarian goes east. A disgruntled lesser war naga darts sinuously away.

Valenal says, "Wheeeee."

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. Xionara shakes with the movement of the ground. Kethrai shakes with the movement of the ground.

Utbrach is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Rejind shakes with the movement of the ground. Kerennya shakes with the movement of the ground. An arisen warlord zombie shambles in with a groan. Utbrach stands up. The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Kethrai shakes with the movement of the ground.

Utbrach is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. You hear a loud thunk! Dasheek manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! The warlord zombie begins to advance on Valenal.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Kerennya shakes with the movement of the ground. Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Dasheek manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Xionara shakes with the movement of the ground. An arisen warlord zombie is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Utbrach stands up.

Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

Rejind is knocked completely senseless!

* Rejind was just struck down! 
* Rejind is slain before your eyes!

A panicked scream pierces the air. "Murderer!" You notice the nearby citizenry staring at Valenal briefly, before most quickly run off in fear. An arisen warlord zombie doesn't even flinch as its arm topples to the ground. An arisen warlord zombie doesn't even flinch as its arm topples to the ground. Qij is lightly stunned! Golameth is revealed! A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Valenal traces a hasty sigil in the air. You decipher the telltale signs of the Gar Zeng spell.

Valenal begins to focus intently on Golameth. Dasheek says, "It would seem the entities are a danger to him and everyone around."

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. You hear a loud thunk! The warlord zombie shakes with the movement of the ground. Kerennya shakes with the movement of the ground. Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. Golameth is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Ripples on the ground cascade away from Valenal, sending Golameth tumbling away from him. Xionara shakes with the movement of the ground. An arisen warlord zombie thrashes on the ground, seemingly not in control of its limbs.

Illiya says, "Um." Golameth lets out a roar of frustration as he attempts to regain his footing. Golameth stands up. Kerennya stands up. Golameth lowers his head briefly before unleashing a roar hinting at a fatal following. Golameth puts his hammer in his warrior's pocket. Golameth sheathes his war hammer. An arisen warlord zombie thrashes on the ground, seemingly not in control of its limbs.

The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. Kerennya is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Illiya manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Kethrai shakes with the movement of the ground.

Utbrach is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Dasheek manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! An almost visible connection between Illiya and Dasheek seems to thrum through the air. Xionara leaps to her feet! Valenal assesses his combat situation. You notice Sofina direct an insidious assault at Valenal from hiding. Dasheek says, "Let's...." Kethrai stands up. Heart Tender Kethrai glides west. Golameth suddenly bursts into a frothing avalanche of rage! Golameth bursts forth with a whirling shield defense! Golameth's muscles briefly flex with new strength! Golameth explodes in a wild rage of dangerous power, his bloodshot eyes gleaming with an insatiable lust for battle! Golameth explodes into a storming fury of pure violence! Golameth changes stance and becomes the epicenter of a violent rage! Golameth's timing improves and he begins to move with supernatural grace! In a flash Golameth fills with a flood of resilient rage! Healer Leilanie just arrived. Fury flashes across Golameth's face, filling his eyes with focused rage. An arisen warlord zombie thrashes on the ground, seemingly not in control of its limbs. Golameth bursts into a violent rage that amplifies his attacks! Dasheek says, "Get him outta here." Illiya assesses her combat situation. The sudden oscillation in the ground beneath you leaves your teeth chattering. The warlord zombie shakes with the movement of the ground. Qij shakes with the movement of the ground. Utbrach shakes with the movement of the ground. You hear a loud thunk! Dasheek manages to stay upright, but looks a bit wobbly! Xionara is thrown to the ground by the heaving of the earth! Kerennya stands up. Leilanie grabs Qij and drags him south with her. An arisen warlord zombie clambers to its feet with a restless growl. The violent heaving of the earth finally subsides.

Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

Sofina is revealed! Sofina is severely stunned! The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Xionara solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. Kerennya is knocked completely senseless! Kerennya screams and falls to the ground grasping her mangled left leg!

• Kerennya is slain before your eyes!

The air around Utbrach solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Utbrach solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Utbrach solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack.

A sudden shout of "The man's dangerous!" heralds a nearby citizen to run for the guards.

Utbrach stands up. Golameth visibly churns with an inner rage! Ice Cold Natarian just arrived. Dasheek says, "Hmm."

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

Valenal's shield ignites, sending a ghost-white globe of lightning towards an arisen warlord zombie!

Valenal's globe of lightning lands a twitching strike to an arisen warlord zombie's right arm! Dasheek gestures at Valenal. A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Valenal! Valenal slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice. Natarian begins to advance on Valenal.

Valenal growls and shakes off the fear that was holding him frozen. Valenal rises to a kneeling position. You hear the ghostly voice of Kerennya say, "Crap." Xionara softly says, "Sleep would be nice."

Golameth draws forth a tyrium allarh colored with rich taffelberry-black dye. Golameth takes a step back and angles his allarh behind him. Golameth begins to advance on Valenal. Pilgrim Nawain just arrived. Golameth draws forth a diamondwood nightstick banded with purple gold. Golameth takes a step back and sets his nightstick into a twirling motion. Golameth sheathes his diamondwood nightstick. Xionara stands up. Nawain frowns. Golameth closes to melee range on Valenal Golameth grabs hold of Valenal in a tight grip. Natarian closes to pole weapon range on Valenal As if racing to catch up, the decay process quickly overcomes an arisen warlord zombie. Putrid flesh withers and evaporates into a rancid cloud, leaving brittle, mottled bones behind that crumble to dust the moment they contact air. Valenal's gloves flash, sending a violet globe of lightning towards Golameth! Natarian closes to melee range on Valenal. Dasheek says, "Can't drag.." Natarian punches his hand claw at Valenal. Valenal’s shield flashes, sending a ghost-white globe of lightning towards Natarian!

Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

Natarian gouges his fingers at Valenal.

Valenal says, "Ooh, that's a new one.."

Natarian hardens his stance and bellows a defiant decry against oppression!

Golameth's eyes drip with tears as he unleashes an execrable sound from deep within!

Natarian bobs, lowering himself into a smaller target.

Golameth's eyes drip with tears as he unleashes an execrable sound from deep within!

A Prydaen commoner stares upward, then slowly closes her eyes as she sinks into the earth. Soon her body is gone entirely, leaving only her belongings behind.

Nawain just went through a wide arch, dragging Kerennya's body with her.

Valenal glances at Golameth.

Golameth throws his head back and lets out a high-pitched roar, seemingly filled with battle madness.

Natarian claws his fingers at Valenal. Valenal evades.

Golameth unties a cloudy glass paperweight riddled with partial fractures from the straps of his agonite toolstrap. Golameth points a cloudy glass paperweight riddled with partial fractures at Valenal.

Valenal’s gloves ignite, sending a violet globe of lightning towards Natarian!

Dasheek asks, "Anyone able to shut off his magic?"

Valenal squints at Natarian.

Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

Golameth attaches a cloudy glass paperweight riddled with partial fractures to a strap on his agonite toolstrap.

Golameth whirls about in a bold, flashy manner!

Golameth unties a cloudy glass paperweight riddled with partial fractures from the straps of his agonite toolstrap.

Golameth points a cloudy glass paperweight riddled with partial fractures at Valenal.

Golameth narrows his eyes, focused within his fury. Natarian retreats from combat. Natarian retreats from combat. Ice Cold Natarian goes east. Sofina goes east. Dasheek nods to Golameth. Shavay just arrived. Golameth unties a brass pointer from the straps of his agonite toolstrap. > Golameth points a brass pointer at Valenal.

Haalik Showldh Utbrach marches east. Black Fox Xionara slinks east. Dasheek says, "Good job." Valenal begins to focus intently on Illiya. Ice Cold Natarian just arrived. Healer Leilanie just arrived. Mathematician Avrenka just arrived. Dasheek moves over to guard Illiya. Avrenka grabs Bilberry's body and drags it south with him. Dasheek exclaims, "Hey!" Balls of blazing fire continue to descend from a pyroclastic ash cloud, each hurtling down with explosive force!

Lushk falls down! Lushk's in shock and dying! Leilanie is lightly stunned! The air around Dasheek solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Dasheek solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Natarian solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, losing most of its mass under the force of the attack. The air around Natarian solidifies into a blinding yellow luminescence, collapsing under the force of the attack in a silent cascade of glassy fragments that vanish before reaching the ground. Natarian is severely stunned! Suviana is lightly stunned!

Golameth whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! Natarian begins to advance on Valenal. Pilgrim Nawain came through a wide arch. Valenal begins to focus intently on Dasheek.

Dasheek inhales sharply, then violently spits a bolt of churning flame toward Valenal! Natarian briefly spreads his arms outward and begins to sing. A few richly somber notes quickly cascade upwards into a jarring tumble of haunting sound. Golameth draws forth a haledroth tachi with an elegant crystal-bone tsuba.

Dasheek gestures at Valenal. A sheet of slippery ice forms beneath Valenal! Valenal slips and falls forward, slamming his face on the ice.

Golameth takes a step back and readies his tachi behind him. Golameth's rage at his wounds boils over. Golameth dashes quickly at Valenal, attacking him with a mighty cleave! Healer Leilanie walks south. Golameth visibly churns with an inner rage! Dasheek traces a careful sigil in the air. Dasheek begins to focus intently on Valenal. Natarian closes to pole weapon range on Valenal Golameth sheathes his haledroth tachi. Natarian stops advancing on Valenal. Kethrai just arrived, dragging the body of Rejind behind him. Natarian retreats from combat. Golameth draws forth a hefty war hammer covered in thirteen diamond-sectioned spikes. Ice Cold Natarian goes east. Golameth sidesteps and adjusts his footing. Golameth swiftly launches an assault with wide swipes of his hammer!

Golameth's war hammer lands a solid hit to Valenal's abdomen! Golameth visibly quakes with an inner fury! Kethrai just went through a double door, dragging Rejind's body with him. Golameth puts his hammer in his warrior's pocket. Golameth sheathes his war hammer. Golameth draws forth a tyrium allarh colored with rich taffelberry-black dye. Golameth lowers his shoulders and steadies his weapon. Golameth swiftly launches an assault with wide swipes of his allarh!

Mathematician Avrenka just arrived. Zansa just arrived. A deep howl of bloodlust erupts from Golameth as his chest puffs out from the strain of corded chest muscles tightening all at once! Dasheek gestures at Valenal. A bolt of bluish lightning blazes out of the sky toward Valenal!

• Valenal was just struck down!

A panicked scream pierces the air. "Murderer!" You notice the nearby citizenry staring at Dasheek briefly, before most quickly run off in fear.

Golameth sheathes his allarh.

Golameth draws forth a diamondwood nightstick banded with purple gold. Golameth lowers his shoulders and begins to twirl his nightstick. Golameth sheathes his diamondwood nightstick. The descent of fist-sized flames from the sky changes into the pattering of small, candle-sized droplets as the ash cloud slowly ceases its deluge. Golameth takes a full step back and plants his feet firmly. Blue tendrils of aether creep through a large chaotic fissure. Golameth maneuvers about with supernatural grace! Dasheek says, "No attacking Illiy." Illiya says, "Well." The last of the candle-sized droplets cease, and the ash cloud grows deathly silent. A few harmless embers fall now and again, leaving the acrid scent of sulphuric ash as the only real memory of the hellish onslaught.

Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

Shavay just arrived. You hear the ghostly voice of Valenal exclaim, "Wow! That was great!!" A pyroclastic ash cloud thins out and dissipates completely. Illiya says, "He got to experience death." Golameth says, "Now friend." Avrenka works carefully at tending Valenal's wounded abdomen. Nawain pinches a portion of plovik unguent from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood. Nawain rubs some of her plovik unguent on Eleandra. Nawain pinches a portion of eghmok tonic from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood. Nawain rubs some of her eghmok tonic on Eleandra. Nawain pinches a portion of ithor tonic from a neatly organized herbal case with healing herbs engraved in the wood. Nawain rubs some of her ithor tonic on Eleandra. Golameth whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! Avrenka works carefully at tending Valenal's wounded right leg. Ice Cold Natarian just arrived. Golameth says, "I said to sit down." Vilhi appears in a ripple of light and shadow. Sensitive Suviana goes east. Haalik Showldh Utbrach just arrived. Natarian loosens the straps securing his glaes buckler and removes it. You hear the ghostly voice of Valenal say, "We don't get to do that much AT ALL." Suviana grabs Lushk's arm and tries to drag her, but she doesn't budge. Shavay works carefully at tending Eleandra's wounded head. Heart Tender Kethrai went through a double door. Golameth takes a seat near Valenal. Avrenka says, "Good ol' lightning bolt." Leilanie just arrived, dragging Qij behind her. Suviana rests her hand on Lushk's arm with a soft smile. Vilhi approaches the Empaths' guild, then shakes her head slightly, wandering a few feet away with a look of mingled confusion and concentration. Shavay works carefully at tending Eleandra's wounded chest. Haalik Showldh Utbrach marches east. Leilanie just went through a double door, dragging Qij with her. Valenal quietly say to himself, "Why... just stoooop.." Healer Leilanie just arrived. Golameth says to Valenal, "If you wanted a fight, should of just asked." Healer Leilanie walks south. Illiya pats Valenal on the back. The substance of Eleandra's body shimmers, as if covered by a veil of crystal tears. A moment later she fades away, leaving nothing but empty air where her body had once lain. Nawain says, "Can someone heal up the bodies? I can resurrect." Leilanie just arrived, dragging the body of Bilberry behind her. Golameth whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! Natarian nods at Golameth, obviously agreeing with his views. Black Fox Xionara just arrived. Pilgrim Nawain went through a wide arch. Sensitive Suviana goes east. Golameth says to Valenal, "Now we have to find a cleric." Dasheek says, "Sorry.. That's what happens when you attack Illiy.." Nawain just came through a wide arch, dragging the body of Kerennya behind her. Sofina reveals herself. Sofina gestures. "Burn her! Burn her!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Sofina a wide berth! Vilhi vanishes in a ripple of light and shadow. Xionara frowns at Valenal. Illiya lays her hand on Valenal’s arm. Healer Leilanie went through a wide arch. Nawain coughs. Healer Leilanie came through a wide arch. Shavay says, "Yeesh." Sofina comes out of hiding. Nawain snorts, loudly. Sofina gestures. Sofina's sturdy belt emits a loud *snap*. "Burn her! Burn her!" You hear the cries echo around you as everyone in the vicinity immediately gives Sofina a wide berth! Valenal asks, "Huh? You guys don't just reinstantiate?" Sofina flails her arms about. Valenal says, "That's so weird." Leilanie lays her hand on Kerennya's arm. Xionara softly says, "No, silly other beings." Sensitive Suviana just arrived. Xionara softly asks, "Made of different things. Didn't realize that yet?" Suviana rests her hand on Lushk's arm with a soft smile. Brother Harsh just arrived. Leilanie frowns. Heart Tender Kethrai just arrived.

Leilanie says, "This is horrible." Shavay says, "Silly mortal limitations..." Xionara softly asks, "State intentions. Do enjoy hurting others for fun?" Dasheek asks Illiya, "Are you ok?" Harsh quietly says, "Huh." Nawain asks Valenal, "Wanna see how it works?" Illiya nods. Kethrai says to Harsh, "Took Rejind to the infirmary."

• Lushk was just struck down at The Crossing, Magen Road!

* Lushk is slain before your eyes!

Avrenka asks, "What does the wind understand of death?" Suviana says, "Help lushk." Kethrai winces. Avrenka works carefully at binding Lushk's wounded chest. Kethrai touches Lushk with a confident grace and heartfelt smile. Golameth whirls about in a bold, flashy manner! You hear the ghostly voice of Valenal say, "Ok guys, see you again soon! That was FUN." Haalik Showldh Utbrach just arrived. Shavay works carefully at tending Lushk's wounded left leg. Golameth moves about with magnified violence! Brother Harsh went through a double door.

The substance of Valenal's body shimmers, as if covered by a veil of crystal tears. A moment later he fades away, leaving nothing but empty air where his body had once lain.

Dasheek ponders. Avrenka nods to Kethrai. Qij sniffs the air around him. Leilanie frowns at Kethrai. As Nawain intones a quiet prayer to the Gods, her hands begin to glow faintly silver. She extends a glowing hand towards the body of Lushk. Dark crimson bands of light flow about the body of Lushk, pulsating with a heartbeat rhythm. Silvery-grey tendrils twine around the red bands, seeping into the corpse. As the last tendril vanishes from view, the bands explode with a brilliant flash and Lushk blinks dazedly, wobbling on her feet. Dasheek asks, "No one has a problem with me killing that guy, right?" Illiya says, "He seemed to enjoy it." Leilanie says, "I feel bad for him." Avrenka says, "No, he probably wanted it." Lushk pants. Lifeguard Lushk slinks south, leading her group. "Stop right there!" The shout reverberates through the area as the guard charges towards Dasheek. "You're under arrest!" Dasheek seems to be in shock as the guard binds his hands and he is led off. Illiya chortles softly at some secret joke. Brother Harsh just arrived. Lifeguard Lushk just arrived, leading her group. Nawain says, "They had a problem, apparently." Nawain chuckles. Kethrai says, "The law didn't want it apparently." Xionara softly says, "Not at all." Qij scowls to himself. You hear the ghostly voice of Kerennya say, "MIght have been an experiment gone horribly wrong due to them not understand our mortality." Qij takes a bite of the dumplings. Xionara softly says, "But, always fined for doing good work." Qij giggles a little oddly. Nawain frowns. Qij went through a double door. Xionara shakes her head. Xionara chuckles. Kethrai says, "They seemed interested in... 'state changes.' I guess death is such a one." Haalik Showldh Utbrach marches south. Xionara looks thoughtfully at Kethrai. Illiya nods to Kethrai. Nawain gestures at Kerennya. A thin silver nimbus surrounds Kerennya. Nawain gestures. A pale blue nimbus explodes outward, enshrouding Nawain's body like a ghostly blanket. Slender tendrils of silver vapor slowly arise from the cloud and reach for Nawain's eyes like long spectral fingers. Leilanie asks, "Did you hear him before he departed?" Xionara softly says, "Hrm. Likely." Xionara nods to Leilanie. Golameth says to Kethrai, "Should of let me do it earlier." Danger Wizard Dasheek just arrived. Avrenka says, "At least we know the next step." Haalik Showldh Utbrach just arrived. Golameth winks at Kethrai. Dasheek just took the hand of Illiya and gently kissed the back of it. A thin silver nimbus surrounds Kerennya. As Nawain intones a quiet prayer to the Gods, her hands begin to glow faintly silver. She extends a glowing hand towards the body of Kerennya. Dark crimson bands of light flow about the body of Kerennya, pulsating with a heartbeat rhythm. Silvery-grey tendrils twine around the red bands, seeping into the corpse. As the last tendril vanishes from view, the bands explode with a brilliant flash and Kerennya blinks dazedly, wobbling on her feet. Dasheek says, "Oh, the common folk apparently had a problem with it." Dasheek moves over to guard Illiya. Xionara softly says, "'hrm.. don't think so." Nawain says, "What he finds fun might be alarming to his... patrons." Nawain frowns. Avrenka says, "Create mana surges in outerplanar areas." Kerennya says to Nawain, "Thank you." Nawain hugs Kerennya, getting a smile in return. Leilanie lays her hand on Kerennya's arm. Kerennya just hugged Nawain. [General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, “I appreciate you trying to warn us, and apologize the death was necessary to keep the city safe.” Golameth says, "Well the human part of him probably didn't want that expierence." Leilanie blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue. Golameth says, "They elementals did." Lifeguard Lushk's group went through a double door. Sensitive Suviana went through a double door. Dasheek says, "They were attacking Illiy. If I coulda stopped them without killing him, I would have." Avrenka says, "I mean he did give us quite a bit of warning." Leilanie nods. Kethrai nods to Avrenka. Xionara nods to Avrenka. Dasheek says, "Not to mention collateral damage." Nawain frowns. Natarian nods at Dasheek, obviously agreeing with his views. Nawain asks Illiya, "Who was attacking you?" Leilanie assesses her combat situation. Fury's Touch Rejind just arrived. Lifeguard Lushk just arrived, leading her group. Golameth says, "Some silly warmage." Avrenka says, "A most interesting person." You hear the voice of Sofina say, "A meat puppet of the Elementals." Rejind says, "Well that was bracing." Manterre just arrived. Manterre runs south. Lifeguard Lushk slinks east, leading her group. Illiya nods in agreement. Sekmeht smiles. Dasheek laughs! Kerennya asks, "Did the zombie warlord belong to Valenal?" Leilanie nods at Rejind, obviously agreeing with his views. Natarian says to Rejind, "Good to see you recovered." Nawain hugs Rejind, getting a smile in return. Rejind smiles at Natarian. Natarian says, "That was a bit of a surprise." You hear the voice of Sofina exclaim, "A zombie warlord!" Kethrai says to Kerennya, "No, probably Sofina's." Sekmeht grabs Golameth's forearm in a vise-like grip and shakes him violently, greeting him like a long-lost Barbarian sibling. Harsh waves to Sekmeht. Rejind says to Natarian, "Thank you, it is due to Kethrai and Harsh." Harsh smiles. Avrenka says, "Zombie warlady." Kerennya nods to Kethrai. Dasheek nods to Illiya. Nawain nods to Leilanie. Natarian says, "I see no zombies, thankfully." Xionara nods politely to Sekmeht. Harsh quietly says, "Just sofina." Harsh nods. Golameth asks, "How many different domains was he cast from?" Illiya says, "One." Natarian says, "I only saw elemental." Illiya says, "They were all elemental spells." Kethrai says, "I saw Warrior Mage and Bard spells. But just the elemental, yeah." Illiya says, "Warrior mage spells and two bard spells." Rejind says, "Lines up with his story, at least." Rejind shrugs. Xionara nods. Natarian says, "He rebuked Bruce handily." Avrenka says, "It seems both Liraxes and the Elementals are convinced at the Heralds, as well as the Lord of the Void." Qij just arrived. Sofina reveals herself. Qij sniffs the air around him. Avrenka ponders. Kethrai says, "One of the Bard spells was Phoenix's Pyre, which a Warrior Mage would typically not be able to cast." Golameth says to Natarian, "Its okay a held onto and, and put the ghost hands on him." Avrenka says, "But it doesn't make sense ..." Natarian asks Kethrai, "Was it pyre, or fire rain?" Leilanie just hugged Qij. Illiya says, "It was fire rain." Xionara softly asks Avrenka, "What about it doesn't make sense?" Leilanie asks Qij, "Are you ok?" Kethrai says to Natarian, "He started preparing Pyre, and then stopped and prepared Fire Rain instead." You hear a the voice of Sofina say, "He cast fire rain." Dasheek says, "That was fun.." Illiya says, "He prepped pyre but then didn't cast it." Golameth says, "It felt like fire rain." Kerennya asks Natarian, "Didn't YOU cast Phoenix's Pyre?" Dasheek says, "It's getting late, though. Gotta run." Kethrai nods. Natarian exclaims, "I would never!" Xionara nods to Illiya. Illiya waves. Dasheek waves. Illiya says, "Heart you all." Danger Wizard Dasheek strolls south, leading his group. Avrenka says to Xionara, "A Herald shouldn't be concerned with kidnapping. And a Herald wouldn't want to destroy our Plane either." Natarian says, "Not in town. I'm a law abiding citizen (mostly)." Harsh quietly says, "Gotta break the laws. Thats why they make em." Harsh nods. Xionara softly says to Avrenka, "Also agree with yourself on those points." Avrenka says, "So it's either a renegade Herald ... or a being as powerful as a Herald." Nawain grins at Harsh. Kethrai nods to Avrenka. Xionara softly says, "Am not convinced at all is Heralds." Avrenka says, "Like ... World Dragon powerful." Xionara softly says, "Yes yes, think is possibly World Dragon myself." Xionara sighs. Xionara softly says, "Said as much." Avrenka ponders. Avrenka says, "The last time the Immortals and the World Dragon fought, a moon broke, another was burnt." Leilanie lets out an exasperated, "Pbpbpb." Avrenka ponders. Natarian says, "We have too many moons anyway..." Golameth snaps to attention and hails Natarian with a crisp hand salute. Xionara softly says to Avrenka, "But, the world remains still. So have hope." Golameth says, "Bagpipe strong." Kethrai says, "Why the World Dragon? We know it was powerful, but none of this seems like it matches what we know of it. It didn't want to steal magic, it wanted to consume the Sun." Fury's Touch Rejind goes south. Xionara softly says to Kethrai, "Moons are source of moon mage magic." Avrenka says to Kethrai, "It stole Elanthia's core energy." Avrenka says, "According to lore any way." Golameth waves. Xionara softly asks, "Sun source of... other magic, quite possibly, no?" Mage Slayer Golameth skips south. Harsh gives a courteous nod and tips his blob politely. Harsh smiles. Harsh quietly says, "Stay livin everyone." Harsh waves. A town guard ambles south. Lifeguard Lushk's group came through a wide arch. Lifeguard Lushk slinks south, leading her group. Brother Harsh hobbles east. Kethrai says to Avrenka, "By eating heat. It was an animal. It hatched from an egg, it consumed physical things on this plane. It didn't rewrite rules of existence..." Xionara softly asks, "Consume magic, consume ... parasitic force.. seems like what currently happening right now too. Stealing mana.. feeding itself?" Avrenka asks Kethrai, "It didn't? Shattering a moon, possibly altering the Astral Plane?" Xionara nods to Avrenka. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "Katamba was rumored to once be lush green ... now it is an object that emits Shadow as if it were light." Kethrai says, "You or I could shatter a moon, if we could throw something big and hard enough. To use the 'throw a wagon across a field' metaphor." Xionara softly says, "Perhaps am wrong but that is thinking of myself too." Xionara nods to Avrenka. Avrenka ponders. Avrenka says, "Well any further is pure speculation at this point ... the task is clear now." Natarian asks, "Is it?" Avrenka says, "We must find the culprit in the act." Xionara sighs. Xionara softly says, "Think have guess as to who." Xionara softly says, "Been on mind of myself for a bit now." [General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, “Or at the very least, allow us to meet you outside the city, yeah?” [General] Your mind hears Kethrai thinking, “We will bring lots of shiny and distracting toys next time.” Nawain says, "Back to taming the register." Nawain raises her hand in a quick salute. Avrenka wryly says to Nawain, "Have fun." Pilgrim Nawain skips south. Leilanie waves. Natarian raises his hand in a quick salute. Natarian says, "Good day, everyone." Avrenka nods to Natarian. Ice Cold Natarian goes south. Sublime Mender Kerennya glides east. Avrenka ponders. Xionara pets her scruffy leopard. Xionara stares intently at a grey cat for a moment. Leilanie says, "Be well and stay safe." Xionara nods to Leilanie. Kethrai bows to Leilanie. Leilanie curtsies to Kethrai. Avrenka waves to Leilanie. Leilanie waves. Healer Leilanie went through a double door. Avrenka asks Kethrai, "You have any other thoughts on who it could be?" Kethrai says to Avrenka, "Not directly, but I have some thoughts who we could ask." Avrenka raises an eyebrow in Kethrai’s direction. Xionara sighs. Kethrai says to Avrenka, "Long story. I'll put together a proposal and let you know when it's on the calendar." Avrenka nods to Kethrai. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "Looking forward to it." Avrenka says to Kethrai, "By the way .." Avrenka asks Kethrai, "Do you recall a vision recently about a wooden box?" Kethrai nods. Avrenka says to Kethrai, "It reminded me of Unaka describing the Bulwark as a wooden bait box." Avrenka says, "It was interesting." Xionara softly asks Avrenka, "Hrm. Haven't heard this one. What else?" Avrenka says to Xionara, "It goes like this ..." Avrenka says to Xionara, "After a moment, you smell pine and feel the need to wipe sawdust from your hands. A wooden box rests in your hands, as yet unpolished, but expertly assembled with precise dovetails. Opposing pine and oak make for a striking contrast, and the lid appears as a fractional gap interrupting the grain. Before your eyes, the box appears to shift, and is now a smoothly interlocked orb. As you blink, the vision fades, and the box disappears." Xionara softly says, "Hrm." Avrenka says, "Not much to go on ... except that the Bulwark may be more than "just a box" to keep something in." Xionara softly asks, "Vision of future nature of bulwark.. or some other.. basic design structure?" Xionara softly asks, "Regarding mana?" Xionara gazes at a small chaotic fissure. Avrenka shrugs. Avrenka says, "Interlocking orb ... could be mana I suppose." Avrenka says, "Could be anything." Kethrai nods to Avrenka. Avrenka says, "OR ... it could be a vision of the Deceiver Device." Kethrai says, "Once again I think we're coming away with more questions than answers, but at least it's a LOT more questions after a LOT more answers." Kethrai says, "But I need to sleep. Be safe..." Avrenka nods. Avrenka says, "Same." Xionara nods to Kethrai. Avrenka says, "Good night." Avrenka waves to Xionara. Avrenka waves to Kethrai. Xionara waves to Avrenka. Kethrai waves. Xionara waves to Kethrai. Mathematician Avrenka went through a double door.