Ayrell/Logs/Wild Magic 05032025/Search for the First Herald Artifact

Search for the First Herald Artifact

Event Date: 5/3/2025

Event Instance: Prime

Date

It has been 452 years, 272 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the 7th month of Moliko the Balance in the year of the Iron Toad.
It is currently fall and it is early afternoon.

Beseech Elanthia to Reveal the Artifacts/Asildu Arrives to Speak

[Endrus Forest, Secluded Glade]
A score of ancient sana'ati trees stand like primeval guardians around this circular clearing, stretching their weathered boughs overhead in a protective canopy of scintillating green. Lush grass and blooming flowers surround a pool of clear water, bubbling upwards from an unknown source beneath the surface. You also see a stone bench, an overgrown footpath and a hole at the base of a large tree.

Rienth came through an overgrown footpath.

Fearless Crobin came through an overgrown footpath.

Ysindre says in a northern accent, "Hi."

Crobin just hugged Ysindre.

Ysindre hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Ysindre with a warm smile.

Crobin asks, "How are we all?"

Crobin waves to Pytcia.

Crobin waves to Sefiya.

Crobin waves to Maraisel.

Ysindre asks in a northern accent, "I'm well, how are you?"

Crobin says, "I am doing alright."

Crobin waves to Rienth.

Heart Tender Kethrai came through an overgrown footpath.

Crobin waves to Hhaytt.

Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Kethrai hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Kethrai with a warm smile.

Crobin asks, "How are you doing Keth?"

Rienth waves.

Maraisel nods politely to Crobin.

Kethrai exclaims, "As best as can be hoped!"

Soul Surgeon Zynell's group came through an overgrown footpath.

Crobin hugs Zynell, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Nemy, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Leilanie, getting a smile in return.

Zynell hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Zynell with a warm smile.

Nawain praises Zynell.

Crobin waves to Babble.

Leilanie hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Leilanie with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Sothios, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Nemy hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Nemy with a warm smile.

Crobin waves to Rikkie.

Rikkie waves to Crobin.

Babble waves to Crobin.

Babble smiles.

Crobin waves to Farlad.

Firehawk Casari came through an overgrown footpath.

Crobin waves to Casari.

Casari waves.

Zynell grins at Leilanie.

Priestess Aemaranth came through an overgrown footpath.

Zersha grins at Aemaranth, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha hugs Aemaranth, who wraps her arms around Zersha with a warm smile.

Aemaranth hugs Zersha, getting a smile in return.

Kethrai closes his eyes for a moment and grows still.

Maraisel waves to Casari.

Babble gets a large goblet of Five-Spike Recluse tea from inside his leather cloak.

Aemaranth nods politely to Nawain.

Nawain waves to Aemaranth.

Babble takes a sip of his tea.

Nawain hugs Aemaranth, getting a smile in return.

Nawain grins.

Kethrai glances outside a moment.

Aemaranth hugs Nawain, who wraps her arms around Aemaranth with a warm smile.

Babble sighs.

Crobin just hugged Nawain.

Lord Knight Hebion came through an overgrown footpath.

Aemaranth asks Zersha in a melodic accent, "How have you been?"

Nawain hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Casari leans on Sefiya.

Zersha pulls Hebion to her in a tight hug.

Hebion gently kisses Zersha on the forehead.

Zersha gently kisses Hebion on the cheek.

Crobin pats Hebion on the back.

Hebion nods politely.

Zersha asks Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "I'm doing all right, you?"

Leilanie shifts her weight.

Crobin waves to Zersha.

Babble puts his tea in his leather cloak.

Sefiya beams at Casari!

Lord Knight Hebion went through an overgrown footpath.

Aemaranth says to Nawain something in Rakash.

Lord Knight Hebion came through an overgrown footpath.

Aemaranth grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

Farlad glances about the area while pacing back and forth. Something about the way he moves reminds you of a large, stalking mountain cat.

Sefiya says to Casari in Ilithic, "You never come visit anymore."

Nawain chuckles.

Casari grins at Sefiya.

Casari says to Sefiya in Ilithic, "Well, same."

Aemaranth hugs Zynell, getting a smile in return.

Sefiya chuckles.

Rikkie smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Sefiya says to Casari in Ilithic, "Fair enough."

Aemaranth nods politely to Hebion.

Shield of Starlight Betlind came through an overgrown footpath.

Betlind gets a pink towel embroidered with red lettering from inside her twilight pack.

Nawain says to Aemaranth something in Rakash.

Zersha grins at Betlind, her dimples flashing into view.

Betlind vigorously rubs her body below the waist with a pink towel embroidered with red lettering, drying herself off as much as possible.

Zersha hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Sothios grins.

Crobin says, "I will be right back."

Betlind squeezes a wet pink towel, wringing out a stream of water.

Fearless Crobin went through an overgrown footpath.

Nawain whispers a prayer from her mouth into the wind, certain it will reach Enelne's ear.

Betlind squeezes a damp pink towel, wringing out the last few drops of water.

Casari briefly spreads her arms outward and begins to chant sharply. The skipping, sparkling rhythm entices the air to shed moisture and to warm as if under a summer sun.
The air shifts as the persuasive melody of the enchante surrounds you, and suddenly the area seems hotter and drier.

Betlind puts her towel in her twilight pack.

Betlind hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Zersha beams at Casari!

Betlind beams at Zersha!

Kethrai hugs Betlind, who wraps her arms around Kethrai with a warm smile.

Zersha says to Casari in a Velakan accent, "That's one of the best spells."

Betlind bows.

Betlind hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Casari nods in agreement.

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "Pretty sure I am still breathing."

Betlind exclaims, "Greetings, everyone!"

Aemaranth inhales a great swallow of air.

Aemaranth slowly empties her lungs.

Zersha says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "If you aren't, you're talking very well for someone dead."

Zersha leans on Aemaranth.

Dreambound Prophet Miskton came through an overgrown footpath.

Sothios hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Aemaranth laughs!

Pytcia went through an overgrown footpath.

Nawain rummages about her person, looking for something.

Miskton nods politely.

Aemaranth leans on Zersha.

Casari briefly spreads her arms outward and begins singing. The soft tones remain steady as the music ascends through increasingly complicated scales.
Casari's voice soars into the high reaches of the spectrum, each note ringing purely as she continues to sing her enchante.

Betlind leans on Aemaranth.

Zersha says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Then again, I was dead recently and I could still manage talking, I'm not sure how that worked."

Zersha gazes off into the distance.

Lexxa came through an overgrown footpath.

(Lexxa steps carefully into the clearing, where the scent of damp leaves and ancient loam hangs heavy in the crisp autumn air. Beneath the surface, faint echoes stir-as if memories, long buried, are ready to rise.)

Lexxa smiles.

Lexxa waves.

Aemaranth asks Nawain in a melodic accent, "I would prefer it doesn't. But if it does, would we even know?"

Betlind bows to Lexxa.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Lexxa says, "Please join me."

Aemaranth grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha joins Lexxa's group.

Betlind joins Lexxa's group.

Nawain chuckles.

Kethrai joins Lexxa's group.

Casari joins Lexxa's group.

Rikkie joins Lexxa's group.

Nawain joins Lexxa's group.

Sothios joins Lexxa's group.

Aemaranth leans on Betlind.

Lexxa says, "And feel free to link up if you are an empath."

Miskton joins Lexxa's group.

Leilanie joins Lexxa's group.

Farlad joins Lexxa's group.

Aemaranth joins Lexxa's group.

Hebion joins Lexxa's group.

Ysindre joins Lexxa's group.

Babble joins Lexxa's group.

Miskton glances up at the sky.
After a few moments he lowers his gaze.

Farlad nods to Lexxa.

Zynell joins Lexxa's group.

Lexxa beams!

Zersha raises her hand.

Zersha grins at Lexxa, her dimples flashing into view.

Nemy joins Lexxa's group.

Lexxa nods.

Lexxa says, "We saw you Elanthia. The land trembled. Storms raged. Chasms opened. Three figures walked with power and purpose."

Lexxa says, "They shaped the world - and left behind pieces. Forgotten. Hidden. Cast aside. Artifacts of choice and of change."

Pytcia came through an overgrown footpath.

Babble traces a careful sigil in the air.

(Lexxa kneels at the edge of the glade, fingers trailing through the dirt in silent communion.)

Lexxa kneels down.

With a waver like a mirage, Sarugar fades into view.

Lexxa says, "We ask not for power but for knowledge. Show us where these relics now rest."

Wind Listener Sceth's group came through an overgrown footpath.

(Lexxa lifts a fistful of soil letting it fall through her fingers. A reverent silence follows.)

The wind stirs, and you hear a whisper in the distance.

Flarjiska came through an overgrown footpath.

Legendary Cleric Mazilyn came through an overgrown footpath.

Lexxa stands up.

Lexxa says, "Let our offerings speak our intent not to exploit but to understand and perhaps to restore what was unjustly bound."

Mazilyn joins Lexxa's group.

Sothios beams at Mazilyn!

Kethrai casually observes the area.

(Lexxa nods once to the gathering eyes reflecting the flicker of hope and uncertainty.)

(Lexxa lifts her voice to the sky carried on the wind like a vow. I beseech you Elanthia, wise one. Reveal the tasks before us.)

The breeze picks up, stirring the leaves. A crow calls.

Zersha breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

(Lexxa closes her eyes. The wind stills. For a heartbeat the world holds its breath.)

Mazilyn gets a leather journal embossed with vines encircling a crossed scroll and quill from inside her pristine white purse.

Sceth raises an eyebrow.

Knight of Meraud Tirost came through an overgrown footpath.

* Breath of the Heralds Asildu joins the adventure.

The trees sway gently, the rustling of leaves sounding like gentle laughter. The trees remember, but they are keeping secrets.

Flarjiska joins Lexxa's group.

Hhaytt joins Lexxa's group.

Leilanie inhales a great swallow of air.

Casari appears to be listening intently for something.

Pytcia joins Lexxa's group.

The breeze stills, everything goes back to normal.

Sceth joins Lexxa's group.

Lexxa says, "We cry out to you Elanthia, reveal what is hidden."

Lexxa asks, "Where do the artifacts rest now?"

Malorna joins Lexxa's group.

Nemy closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Fearless Crobin's group came through an overgrown footpath.

Breath of the Heralds Asildu came through an overgrown footpath.

Crobin hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Mazilyn beams at Asildu!

Kethrai observes Asildu with fascination.

Crobin just hugged Lexxa.

Tirost hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Zersha glances at Asildu.

Crobin shakes Miskton's hand.

Lexxa asks, "What are they meant to do? Can they break bonds alone - or do they offer more? Can they restore what was lost?"

Crobin hugs Sceth, getting a smile in return.

Malorna hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Malorna with a warm smile.

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Leayne hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Malorna hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Malorna with a warm smile.

Asildu nods politely.

Betlind nods politely to Asildu.

Leayne hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Aemaranth nods politely to Asildu.

Crobin hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Crobin waves to Aemaranth.

Leayne hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Betlind hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Leayne hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Betlind hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Kethrai nods to Lexxa.

Lexxa bows to Kethrai.

Tirost hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

A soothing melody plays across the area near Asildu, each soft, tranquil note seeming to aid in maintaining his calm.

Leayne hugs Nemy, getting a smile in return.

Kethrai says, "Empaths, our goal is going to be to link the Rangers together as they make contact with Elanthia, to heighten and join their connection."

Leayne hugs Sothios, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Sothios hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Sothios with a warm smile.

Miskton gazes at Asildu.

Leilanie gazes at Kethrai.

Kethrai says, "Be here, be present. Take a deep breath. Feel the wind as it filters through the glade around you. Smell the loam beneath us. Hear the gentle chorus of birds and insects around us. Life surrounds us, and we are part of that Life."

Leayne just hugged Lexxa.

Nemy inhales a great swallow of air.

Leayne grins, revealing her dimples.

Rikkie slowly empties his lungs.

Kethrai inhales a great swallow of air.

Lexxa beams at Leayne!

Kethrai slowly empties his lungs.

Nemy slowly empties her lungs.

Paladin Paff came through an overgrown footpath.

Leilanie takes a deep breath.

Kethrai says, "Please link together with two Rangers and two other Empaths, and continue focusing on the sensations of Life all around us."

Nemy touches Lexxa with a confident grace and familiar smile.

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Kethrai touches Lexxa with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Nemy touches Leilanie with a confident grace and familiar smile.

Leilanie lays her hand on Nemy's arm.

Leilanie's eyes widen and she draws back slightly from Nemy.

Nemy touches Kethrai with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Kethrai touches Zersha with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Malorna rests her hand on Sceth's arm with a soft smile.

Zersha grins at Kethrai, her dimples flashing into view.

Kethrai touches Malorna with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Nemy touches Farlad with a confident grace and familiar smile.

Malorna rests her hand on Sceth's arm with a soft smile.

Kethrai touches Leayne with a confident grace and heartfelt smile.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Leilanie lays her hand on Nemy's arm.

Leilanie's eyes widen and she draws back slightly from Nemy.

Rikkie rests his hand on Leilanie's arm with a soft smile.

Malorna rests her hand on Leayne's arm with a soft smile.

Babble inhales a great swallow of air.

Western Wrath Xionara came through an overgrown footpath.

Keeping quiet, Asildu steps to the side so as to not interrupt the ritual.

Kethrai quietly says to Lexxa, "We are together with you. We breathe together with you and the Life around us."

Leayne blinks.

Babble slowly empties his lungs.

Malorna rests her hand on Leayne's arm with a soft smile.

Lexxa asks, "Elathia, how can we break the bonds? Where do these artifacts lie?"

Asildu ponders.

Malorna rests her hand on Kethrai's arm with a soft smile.

Lexxa nods to Kethrai.

Malorna rests her hand on Kethrai's arm with a soft smile.

Lexxa ponders.

Tirost glances at Asildu.

Rikkie rests his hand on Malorna's arm with a soft smile.

Kethrai inhales a great swallow of air.

Farlad inhales a great swallow of air.

Crobin stands near Leayne.

Malorna hugs Rikkie, who wraps his arms around Malorna with a warm smile.

Kethrai slowly empties his lungs.

Leayne rests her hand on Nemy's arm with a soft smile.

Leayne's eyes widen and she draws back slightly from Nemy.

Sarugar lowers his head, closes his eyes and begins breathing slowly.

Farlad slowly empties his lungs.

Lexxa ponders.

Rikkie smiles at Malorna, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Leilanie breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

Lexxa says, "I thought she would answer."

Nemy takes a seat.

Lexxa asks, "Is anyone seeing anything?"

Kethrai shakes his head at Lexxa.

Babble shakes his head.

Sarugar's image wavers momentarily as if he will fade from sight, but after just a few seconds, he stabilizes.

Leayne rests her hand on Leilanie's arm with a soft smile.

Xionara joins Lexxa's group.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "It was interesting how there was the sound of a Crow."

Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Lexxa nods.

Xionara hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Xionara with a warm smile.

(Nemy slows her breathing and lays her hands in the grass, concentrating on the life around her)

Xionara perks her ears up happily as she gazes at Crobin.

Kethrai asks Asildu, "Do you have thoughts where else we might find knowledge about these artifacts?"

Leayne hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Leilanie closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Paff fixes Asildu with a frank, even stare.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "It might mean something to some Rakash ranger."

Farlad says, "Sometimes answers take time."

Xionara hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Xionara with a warm smile.

Leilanie kneels down.

Leilanie takes a seat near Nemy.

Leilanie inhales a great swallow of air.

Lexxa nods at Farlad, obviously agreeing with his views.

Nemy closes her eyes for a moment and grows still.

Asildu says to Kethrai, "I do, but you all seemed so intent on speaking to Elanthia, I didn't want to interrupt."

Zersha giggles at Asildu.

Lexxa chortles softly at some secret joke.

Pytcia scans the sky, looking for portents and insight.

Lexxa asks, "What can you tell us?"

Lexxa peers quizzically at Asildu.

A soothing melody plays across the area near Asildu, each soft, tranquil note seeming to aid in maintaining his calm.

Farlad observes Asildu with fascination.

Asildu says, "As promised, I have been doing a lot of memory searching."

Mazilyn beams at Asildu!

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Pytcia scans the sky, looking for portents and insight.

Lexxa appears to be listening intently for something.

Pytcia glances outside a moment.

In the blink of an eye, Sarugar disappears into his surroundings.

Asildu says, "And while some of the artifacts remain vague in my mind, there was one that I was able to recall with... significantly more clarity."

Crobin nods to Asildu.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Zersha cocks her head at Asildu.

Lexxa asks, "What do you remember of it?"

Nawain nods to Aemaranth.

Asildu says, "Knowing everyone was going to be gathered to discuss things, I thought now might be the best time to visit. Though I'll have to keep it brief."

Asildu gazes upward.

Mazilyn nods to Asildu.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Leayne nods to Crobin.

Stellar Statistician Urbaj came through an overgrown footpath.

Zersha looks at Betlind, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Betlind grins at Zersha, her dimples flashing into view.

Crobin nods to Tirost.

Leayne shrugs.

Lexxa ponders.

Zersha nods at Betlind, obviously agreeing with her views.

Asildu asks, "Before I say too much, though, I have to ask. Are you all certain this is the path you want to take? The risk these artifacts could hold if you find them as I did?"

Hebion nods to Zersha.

Babble nods.

Casari shifts her weight.

Xionara raises an eyebrow in Asildu's direction.

Mazilyn says, "Yes."

Zersha asks in a Velakan accent, "Do you think finding them could help free you?"

Zersha peers quizzically at Asildu.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "Nothing risked means nothing gained."

Lexxa asks, "Can you explain what dangers there are?"

Leilanie stands up.

Aemaranth shrugs.

Leilanie dusts herself off.

Xionara nods at Lexxa, obviously agreeing with her views.

Xionara nods at Lexxa, obviously agreeing with her views.

Leayne just hugged Ysindre.

Mazilyn nods to Asildu.

Casari says to Asildu, "Our situation's untenable. Risks are necessary."

Lexxa says, "So we have a understanding of what we face."

Asildu says to Zersha, "I do."

Xionara just hugged Ysindre.

Ysindre grins.

Zersha nods to Asildu.

Ysindre hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Ysindre with a warm smile.

Asildu says, "But these artifacts are also very dangerous."

Ysindre hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Ysindre with a warm smile.

Leayne leans back against Crobin with a loving smile.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Tirost says to Asildu, "Right now, this is one of our paths forward. We understand the risks."

Kethrai says, "The world is a dangerous place, especially now."

Hebion ponders.

Asildu says, "And the only path forward I see regarding them is their destruction."

Nawain nods at Asildu, obviously agreeing with his views.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "If there's one thing adventurers are good at it's breaking things."

Zersha grins at Asildu, her dimples flashing into view.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Lexxa asks, "Ok are we all in agreeance?"

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Zynell nods at Zersha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Crobin nods.

Aemaranth says to Nawain something in Rakash.

Casari says, "Then they'll be destroyed, along with anyone who tries to do otherwise."

Babble nods.

Tirost softly says to Lexxa, "As close as we'll ever get."

Leayne nods.

Tirost grins at Lexxa.

Rikkie nods.

Lexxa nods to Tirost.

Lexxa smiles.

Lexxa asks, "Do we know how to distroy them?"

Lexxa peers quizzically at Asildu.

Kethrai gazes silently at Asildu.

Urbaj says, "Better to deliberately and carefully destroy them, rather than have others stumble across them and risk more...Asildae being created."

Aemaranth grins at Nawain, her dimples flashing into view.

Asildu says to Lexxa, "You may not know how right away. But you've all proven intelligent and resourceful."

Nawain nods to Urbaj.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Lexxa says, "Ok."

Nawain grins at Aemaranth.

Lexxa says, "Then we are ready."

Betlind nods emphatically.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I'm not sure I'm ready, but I'm willing to try."

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

Mazilyn gets a miniature Truffenyi doll dressed in silvery blue robes from inside her pristine white purse.

Babble grins at Zersha.

Pytcia scans the sky, looking for portents and insight.

Lexxa glances outside a moment.

Betlind asks Asildu, "What can you tell us of this one artifact that sticks out in your mind?"

Betlind cocks her head.

Leayne nods to Crobin.

Lexxa says, "Oh dear the Heralds are covered."

Xionara glances outside a moment.

Leayne glances outside a moment.

Sceth says, "Thats not foreboding or nothing."

Kethrai glances outside a moment.

Leilanie glances outside a moment.

Asildu says, "Now, I'll ask that you forgive some of the vagueness that lingers in my memory. But I was able to recall there was one artifact of note. And I say it was of note because I recall it being extremely powerful. Something I, with what I know now, would never want to see it be used. But I also remember it was the first artifact I found which led me to start noticing my connection. So I think it's a good place to start."

Asildu says, "The location, though..."

Asildu ponders.

Zersha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Betlind gives a slight nod.

Mazilyn angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Asildu.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Babble shifts his weight.

Lexxa asks, "What do you remember of the location?"

Lexxa says, "Obviously we're going to have to look for it."

Lexxa says, "As a group I hope."

Lexxa asks, "Would anyone be willing to lead us?"

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Mazilyn raises her hand.

Betlind nods.

Lexxa nods.

Asildu says, "That is the tricky part. When I finished studying the artifact, I was in a bit of a... state. So I don't recall it exact, though I suspect I could find it if I were to return to the general area. The problem is that... I can't accompany you."

Sothios smiles at Mazilyn.

Zersha squints at Asildu.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Betlind frowns.

Kethrai says, "That makes sense."

Mazilyn says, "Thats ok, Truffenyi'll come with us."

Babble raises an eyebrow.

Xionara traces a hasty sigil in the air.

Mazilyn gives her Truffenyi doll a little hug. Did the doll give her a little hug back?

Asildu says, "So the best I can offer are a few details that I have in my head that might help you locate it. After all, we are talking an artifact of the Heralds. Your presence near it is likely to draw attention. Which is why I don't dare be seen by them, near you, near it."

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Lexxa says, "Ok."

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.

Lexxa asks, "Is that all the clues you can share?"

Lexxa ponders.

Kethrai says, "Their response may well help narrow down the search, if we get close."

Lexxa nods.

Zersha glances at Kethrai.

Nawain nods to Kethrai.

Zersha gazes upward.

Lexxa asks, "Ok so we join up now?"

Killer Shekma came through an overgrown footpath.

Zersha asks Asildu in a Velakan accent, "What are those details you have in your head?"

Casari says, "Maybe let him finish talking."

Kethrai says, "I think we may yet get more."

Farlad asks, "We should wait for the tip , no?"

Kethrai nods to Casari.

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "Basically, if we start getting killed we are getting warmer."

Babble says, "We still have no idea in Elanthia where we are going..."

Zersha looks at Aemaranth and sighs.

Xionara begins chortling at Aemaranth.

Lexxa nods.

Asildu says, "As for the location... it was at the top of a very tall mountain. There was a great deal of ice."

Lexxa says, "I'm sorry I thought that was it."

Zersha looks at Asildu and jots down some notes.

Lexxa chortles softly at some secret joke.

Tirost gazes thoughtfully at Asildu.

Babble grins at Lexxa.

Nawain chuckles.

Tirost glances at Miskton.

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Lexxa says, "Tall mountain, ice."

Lexxa gives a slight nod.

Aemaranth nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

Babble says, "Now we are getting somewhere."

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Babble ponders.

Urbaj gazes off into the distance.

Casari asks, "Do you recall if it was in Ilithi?"

Mazilyn says, "Der a couple a those."

Mazilyn ponders.

Tirost asks Miskton, "Dragonspine Mountains, perhaps?"

Kethrai asks, "And the nature of the artifact itself... Is it small, something that can be carried? Or permanently fixed there?"

Nawain hopefully asks Asildu in a Rakash accent, "Did any of the ice attack you?"

Aemaranth asks Asildu in a melodic accent, "Do you remember climbing to get there?"

Mazilyn asks Asildu, "Were there creatures around it?"

Asildu says, "I recall it being southerly from here."

Zersha shades her eyes and gazes off to the south.

Mazilyn nods.

Lexxa nods.

Asildu ponders.

Farlad says, "Dragonspine."

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Asildu asks, "Or would that be west?"

Lexxa ponders.

Zersha furrows her brow.

Betlind says, "Or Wyvern Mountain then."

Babble blinks.

Leayne sighs.

Nawain chortles softly at some secret joke.

Flarjiska joins Pytcia's group.

Hhaytt joins Pytcia's group.

A soothing melody plays across the area near Asildu, each soft, tranquil note seeming to aid in maintaining his calm.

Crobin stands near Leayne.

Xionara smirks.

Lexxa asks, "Who's leading there?"

Leayne shakes her head.

Farlad observes Asildu with fascination.

Lexxa asks, "We are going yes?"

Aemaranth asks Nawain something in Rakash.

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Farlad asks, "Anything else?"

Betlind says, "Asketi's Mount came to mind as well."

Betlind ponders.

Nawain nods to Betlind.

Nawain ponders.

Xionara rummages about her person, looking for something.

Aemaranth nods at Betlind, obviously agreeing with her views.

Lexxa says, "I did think of that but not sure if there was a climb."

Mazilyn says to Lexxa, "We're gonna plan a trip later, now is the ask questions time."

Lexxa peers quizzically at Asildu.

Lexxa nods to Mazilyn.

Lexxa says, "Ok."

Aemaranth says to Lexxa in a melodic accent, "A small climb."

Asildu says, "I will continue to try and remember more details, in case you have trouble. But the most detail I know was the ice. The mountain."

Mazilyn nods to Asildu.

Betlind nods to Asildu.

Sceth casually observes the area.

Sceth whistles loudly for a moment.

A full-grown wolf scrambles in.

A full-grown wolf begins to whimper.

Sceth pets her full-grown wolf.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

The full-grown wolf suddenly catches a scent and heads to some nearby woods to hunt.

Zersha softly says in a Velakan accent, "I wore the wrong shoes for mountain climbing."

Babble says, "Well it's something I reckon, can't be that many icey mountains about."

Asildu says, "It would be easier if I could accompany you, but I will say, the location won't be obvious."

Asildu says, "You'll want to make sure you look closely."

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Xionara rubs her hands together.

Kethrai nods to Asildu.

Mazilyn nods to Asildu.

Betlind gives a slight nod.

Crobin chuckles at Leayne.

Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Mazilyn asks Asildu, "How have ya been otherwise?"

Rikkie smiles at Mazilyn, revealing the dimples in his cheeks.

Asildu says, "And, if it provides you with any motivation, I have confidence that destroying these artifacts will not only aid me... but your Immortals as well."

Killer Shekma went through an overgrown footpath.

Tirost nods to Asildu.

Kethrai gazes off to the south.

Asildu says to Mazilyn, "Oh, you know... listening to music."

Lexxa asks, "Is there anymore questions?"

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Betlind says, "Well, Dragonspine, Wyvern, and Asketi's are the three that come to my mind. I suppose we'll just have to scale 'em all and keep our eyes, and magical senses, open."

Betlind ponders.

Mazilyn says to Asildu, "No luck on making that music box for ya but im gonna keep tryin."

Lexxa nods to Betlind.

Mazilyn beams at Asildu!

Leilanie asks, "Was Kethrai's question about the size of these artifacts answered?"

Asildu chuckles at Mazilyn.

Babble smiles at Mazilyn.

Tirost says to Asildu, "If any other details surface, any image or sensation, any person you met along the way or place you stopped for respite or to study, please let us know."

Babble shakes his head at Leilanie.

Lexxa nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

Asildu says, "I will. I'll try to remain available, but I can't linger here much longer."

Tirost nods to Asildu.

Betlind nods.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Lexxa says, "Thank you all for your time."

Rikkie nods in agreement.

Tirost says to Asildu, "Good luck, and thanks for sharing what you remember."

Mazilyn says to Asildu, "Thanks for puttin in so much effort, we'll do our best to find it."

Aemaranth says to Asildu in a melodic accent, "I will sit here with you for as long as you feel safe to remain."

Lexxa says, "I feel we are onto a great start."

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Asildu nods.

Tirost says to Lexxa, "It's good to have a lead."

Asildu says, "I hope it helps, as little as it is for now."

Lexxa nods at Tirost, obviously agreeing with his views.

Aemaranth says to Asildu in a melodic accent, "I have questions, if you feel inclinded to answer."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "It's more than we had before."

Kethrai nods to Asildu.

Zersha grins at Asildu, her dimples flashing into view.

Tirost says, "And we have Crobin. He's skillful at searching things and getting to where he's not supposed to be."

Betlind nods at Zersha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Rikkie bursts out in a sudden snort of laughter.

Sceth grins.

Crobin chuckles.

Tirost glances at Nawain.

Lexxa grins at Tirost.

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Nawain glances at Tirost.

Lexxa points at Crobin.

Nawain shrugs.

Lexxa smiles.

Lexxa exclaims, "You can sniff it out!"

Lexxa giggles.

Rienth asks in Ilithic, "Who should I join for this adventure?"

Babble smiles at Rienth.

Lexxa says, "We're still asking questions to get a clear idea but then we'll plan a trip."

Betlind nods.

Mazilyn nods.

Leayne nods to Crobin.

Lexxa asks, "Any more questions that might help us figure out where this thing is?"

Rienth says, "Ah. I thought we were going now."

Rienth chuckles.

Tirost says to Kethrai, "We tell Anuril Asildu couldn't remember anything pertienant, just to be safe."

Betlind says, "Aye, considering the danger, I feel this isn't something anyone should try to seek out alone. We best organize a large party for the seach of the mountains."

Lexxa nods to Tirost.

Kethrai smirks at Tirost.

Xionara begins chortling at Tirost.

Casari shrugs.

Leayne softly says, "This sounds like a treasure map with fewer clues."

Lexxa nods to Betlind.

Leayne shrugs.

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Xionara flashes a wide grin at Leayne.

Casari says, "I'll be looking for it momentarily."

Babble says to Rienth, "Believe the adventuring part for the moment has ended."

Aemaranth asks Asildu in a melodic accent, "Might seem a silly question. How big is this thing? Jewelry box big? Bigger?"

Sceth says, "Sounds very rangerish.. wandering off looking for something .. somewhere."

Sothios grins at Zynell.

Betlind grins at Leayne, her dimples flashing into view.

Aemaranth peers quizzically at Asildu.

Zynell sticks out her tongue at Sothios and lets loose with a loud, "Thbtbtbt" from her lips!

Crobin smiles at Sceth.

Leayne giggles at Rikkie.

Crobin leans on Sothios.

Xionara flashes a wide grin at Sceth.

Sothios winks at Zynell with a playful sparkle in his eyes.

Zynell giggles.

Lexxa grins at Sceth.

Lexxa says, "Thats why I wanted to move."

Sothios grins at Crobin.

Lexxa grins.

Sothios gives Crobin a brotherly hug, rubbing his scalp with his knuckles.

Casari says, "If anyone else wants to look for it, you can follow me."

Lexxa steps towards Casari to join her, but Casari steps away.

Nawain gives Tirost a slight nod.

Rienth joins Casari's group.

Lexxa joins Casari's group.

Xionara joins Casari's group.

Sceth joins Casari's group.

Leayne smiles at Crobin, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Kethrai says, "I do need to return north, for now."

Crobin hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Crobin snuggles up to Leayne and cradles her in his arms.

Lexxa nods to Kethrai.

Leayne hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Kethrai says to Asildu, "I'm glad you were able to remember more... Be safe, and discreet."

Urbaj joins Casari's group.

Asildu says, "I don't have much more I can offer right now. I'm sorry."

Malorna says, "Id like to go and be.. in a safe spot in case you all need me."

Lexxa nods to Kethrai.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Rikkie nods at Malorna, obviously agreeing with her views.

Xionara nods at Malorna, obviously agreeing with her views.

Xionara nods at Malorna, obviously agreeing with her views.

Leayne hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Tirost says to Betlind, "I may take a different tact and look around a bit on my own. If I find anything, I'll contact you."

Miskton joins Casari's group.

Lexxa says, "You did a lot remembering what you have."

Zersha gnaws on her lip.

Betlind nods to Tirost.

Lexxa smiles at Asildu.

Kethrai hugs Betlind, who wraps her arms around Kethrai with a warm smile.

Malorna joins Casari's group.

Betlind says to Tirost, "Please be safe."

Mazilyn exclaims to Asildu, "That was a lot more help than we had before, so good job!"

Tirost nods to Betlind.

Lexxa says, "That gives us something to go on."

Asildu says, "You know how difficult memories can be when dealing with the Heralds."

Betlind hugs Kethrai, who wraps his arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Heart Tender Kethrai went through an overgrown footpath.

Zersha joins Casari's group.

Lexxa nods to Asildu.

Crobin asks, "Who is going which direction?"

Tirost says to Betlind, "You too, and if you need a sword at your side, I'm a thought away."

Malorna says, "If you can just casually leave me somewhere safe on the way."

Betlind joins Casari's group.

Malorna grins.

Betlind smiles at Tirost, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Betlind bows to Tirost.

Betlind nods emphatically.

Nawain joins Casari's group.

Zersha looks at Hebion, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Tirost bows to Betlind.

Babble nods while tilting his brimmed hat forward and giving a quick, teeth-flashing grin.

Casari says, "All right, leaving in a few seconds."

Leayne ponders.

Lexxa nods.

Leayne joins Casari's group.

Crobin joins Casari's group.

Maraisel joins Casari's group.

Tirost says to Casari, "Good hunting."

Crobin hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Tirost hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

Leayne hugs Tirost, who wraps his arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Crobin asks, "Call if you need help?"

Crobin smiles at Tirost.

Tirost hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Tirost with a warm smile.

Babble says, "I appreciate you allow this old bard tag along to witness."

Hebion joins Casari's group.

Tirost nods to Crobin.

Babble says, "I thin I shall take my leave for the time being."

Casari nods.

Firehawk Casari's group went through an overgrown footpath.

Sothios says, "I think a lil planning is a better idea myself."

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "I wish you all luck."

Babble nods to Sothios.

Sothios shrugs.

Pytcia's group went through an overgrown footpath.

Babble says, "I tend to agree, when it comes to matters such as this."

Asildu nods politely.

Mazilyn says, "Will put some planning together and schedule a scouting thing."

Mazilyn nods.

Sothios says, "Some people dont think."

Tirost says, "Take care, everyone."

Nemy exhales softly on her sanowret crystal, and scintillating sparks of light dance across its surface.

Sothios says, "They get in such a hurry."

Babble says, "I like my chaos to be contained in a small area, when it comes to effecting the world, caution is best."

Zynell says, "Some of us need to get rainbowed up."

Knight of Meraud Tirost went through an overgrown footpath.

Zynell shrugs.

Rikkie peers quizzically at Zynell.

Aemaranth says to Sothios in a melodic accent, "If they start falling over dead, they must have been going in the right direction."

Babble chuckles.

Babble waves.

Zynell says, "Or went into apes."

Zynell giggles.

Aemaranth says to Sothios in a melodic accent, "Sacrifice is sometimes required."

Zynell says to Rikkie, "Ayrell is hosting a ball soon."

Sothios says, "Orrr they made a wrong turn and ended up in blademasers er somethin."

Rikkie gasps!

Rikkie exclaims, "I do love rainbows!"

Aemaranth whispers something to Sothios.

Rikkie fidgets nervously.

Mazilyn takes a seat.

Mazilyn gazes at Asildu.

Asildu ponders.

Mazilyn glances at a miniature Truffenyi doll dressed in silvery blue robes.

Lore Keeper Babble went through an overgrown footpath.

Sothios grins at Aemaranth.

Asildu says, "I think I'll go find somewhere to wait and see if I'm needed."

Leilanie nods to Asildu.

Leilanie says, "Be safe."

Rikkie nods to Asildu.

Rikkie nods at Leilanie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Asildu says, "You all as well."

(Mazilyn makes a sketch of Asildu and her Truffenyi doll sitting next to the pool of water conversing like old friends)

Paladin Paff went through an overgrown footpath.

Asildu steps into a shadow and is simply gone!

The Search Party - Searches

You follow Casari south.
[Foothills, Artesian Well]
An old artesian well, still used by traveler and trader alike, stands alone in the dark shadow of the great mountains before it. Oblivious to the road, to the northern city of Leth, to the dark peaks in the south - it remains a symbol of the enduring adventurer's spirit.
Also here: Rienth, Lexxa, Western Wrath Xionara, Wind Listener Sceth, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Lord Knight Hebion and Firehawk Casari.
Obvious paths: north, southwest.

Casari says, "Let's stop and take a vote."

Zersha just nudged Hebion.

Lexxa nods.

Leayne pants.

Betlind says, "I vote yes."

Crobin asks, "Doing okay hun?"

Betlind asks, "Wait, what's the vote for?"

Zersha giggles at Betlind.

Leayne grins at Crobin, her dimples flashing into view.

Casari says, "Very likely candidates are the entire Dragonspine range, Wyvern Mountain, or any number of places in Forfedhdar."

Xionara begins chortling at Betlind.

Crobin laughs at Betlind.

Betlind ducks her head.

Zersha asks in a Velakan accent, "What's the one here on the north side of the gondola?"

Leayne softly asks, "Are we going any place dangerous?"

Casari says, "All of them are dangerous."

Maraisel nods to Casari.

Betlind moves into position to cover Leayne from harm.

Sceth asks, "Ice cave?"

Leayne softly says, "Not much of a combat person."

Urbaj nods to Sceth.

Zersha softly says in a Velakan accent, "Does it count as a mountain? I know it's cold."

Casari says, "So do we start with the Dragonspine, Wyvern, or Forfedhdar? That's the vote."

Crobin says, "You do much better then you think hun."

Rienth asks, "What were the clues again? Mountain? Ice? Westerly?"

Urbaj says to Sceth, "That's what I had in mind, and it's obviously close. North side of Dragonspine, I think."

Leayne frowns.

Crobin says, "Betlind has you covered with a shield as well."

Leayne grins at Betlind, her dimples flashing into view.

Casari says, "An icy mountain to either the south or west from Endrus."

Leayne softly says, "Well then."

Leayne hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Betlind hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Betlind with a warm smile.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Casari says, "So, most of Ilithi and Forfedhdar."

Casari shrugs.

Nawain chuckles.

Sceth says, "We can check the ice caves since a few rooms away."

Betlind asks, "I'd say Dragonspine just due to proximity and ease?"

Lexxa asks, "I got a feeling this is related to Asketi?"

Lexxa says, "Thats dangerou."

Sceth says, "Thats mine too."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Dragonspine seems reasonable."

Lexxa says, "Dangerous."

Lexxa babbles incoherently.

Zersha nods to Betlind.

Betlind says, "Aye, Asketi's Mount was my first thought, honestly. Especially with a temple up there."

Lexxa nods to Betlind.

Nawain nods.

[General] Your mind hears Blackspine thinking, "Luck with what my man? How you Asildoin'?"

Betlind says, "Perhaps that artifact was the source of power that drew the desire to build a temple there in the first place."

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Perhaps the Temple... right."

Nawain nods.

Lexxa says, "He said something about the immortals."

Nawain nods to Betlind.

Nawain chuckles.

Casari says, "Okay, sounds like the vote is pretty even."

Zersha asks in a Velakan accent, "Since the Immortals and Heralds are at odds though, wouldn't it make sense for them not to have a place of Immortal worship over a Herald artifact?"

Lexxa nods.

Leayne peers quizzically at Crobin.

Casari says, "Getting to Asketi's Mount will take a while, but let's try that."

Lexxa peers quizzically at Zersha.

Crobin says, "Well."

Lexxa ponders.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Foothills, Steep Path]
The mountains begin reclaiming road here, their rocky mouths and jagged teeth piercing the passage with fang and claw. Even the very sky seems to betray the land, for water and wind erode the dirt of the route away, leaving patches of bare rock facing the lone sky, naked to plain sight.
Also here: Lord Knight Hebion, Fearless Crobin, Dzive Asini Leayne, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Wind Listener Sceth, Western Wrath Xionara, Lexxa, Rienth and Firehawk Casari.

(travel)

Firehawk Casari's group went through a well-made blockade.
[Obsidian Pass, Mountain Trail]
The lonely cry of an eagle echoes between the sides of the narrow pass, a haunting sound. Dark trees creep slowly up the mountainside in either direction, and further to the west the eternally white peak of Icespear Reach rises up majestically. Rubble and scree lie scattered across the trail.
Also here: Rienth, Lexxa, Western Wrath Xionara, Wind Listener Sceth, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Lord Knight Hebion and Firehawk Casari.
Obvious paths: north, south.

Crobin asks, "If they are stealing magic maybe having it there would make sense?"

Betlind says to Zersha, "Unless it was an attempt for the Immortals to mask such a power as their own."

You follow Casari south.
[Obsidian Pass, Mountain Trail]
The walls of the pass press in on both sides, as if the trail were some sort of uninvited wound the rocks were trying to mend. You also see a narrow track entering a crack in the rocks.

(travel)

Firehawk Casari's group climbed down a thin silverwood branch stripped of its leaves dangling out over the chasm.
[Chasm, Vertical Pothole]
A stand of tall trees comes into view overhead, further dimming the light and making it increasingly difficult to find a foothold up through the pothole. Caution is absolutely necessary to prevent a case of vertigo from settling in and overwhelming the senses. You also see a craggy niche and a thin silverwood branch stripped of its leaves dangling out over the chasm.
Also here: Rienth, Lexxa, Western Wrath Xionara, Wind Listener Sceth, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Lord Knight Hebion and Firehawk Casari.
Obvious paths: none.

Zersha says to Betlind in a Velakan accent, "Good point."

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Firehawk Casari's group climbed down a craggy niche.
[Chasm, Vertical Pothole]
The steep climb shows no signs of leveling out nor of providing any further assistance to a weary mountaineer. Writhing gently inside a craggy niche, a large black snake attempts to wriggle out of a withered skin, its cloud-covered eyes both piercing and merciless. You also see a narrow ledge.

(travel)

You follow Casari south.
[Dark Woodlands, Rugged Trail]
A persistent tap-tap-tap and then another, deeper tap-tap-tap throbs at the temple as some unseen woodpecker overhead forages for insects deep in the bark of a rowan tree. Fescue grasses grow tall around the base of each tree, vying for any available moisture.

Betlind says, "If not just claim the power for their own."

You follow Casari southwest.
[Dark Woodlands, Rugged Trail]
The soft chitter of a frisky squirrel quickly flitting from tree to tree overhead captures your attention. Deep green ground ivy clusters in neat patches across the rocky path, grasping relentlessly for any feasible handhold on the earth.

You follow Casari south.
[Dark Woodlands, Rugged Trail]
Tiny pebbles crunch noisily underfoot as parcels of snow turn to patches of withered, brown grass. Occasionally, your footsteps splash into a puddle of icy water, interrupting the solitude.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "But he said it helped his connection to the Heralds, which might make me think less so."

(travel)

You follow Casari southwest.
[Dark Woodlands, Rugged Trail]
A bitter chill lingers in the air and sends shivers to creep along your spine. Dense clusters of mountain ash trees, heavily laden with icicles, line the rocky trail and bow reverently towards the earth. You also see a cleft between the trees.

Lexxa says, "Does anyone need a guard."

Firehawk Casari's group went into a cleft between the trees.
[Dragon's Spine, Behind the Waterfall]
Footing becomes quite treacherous here as each new step brings forth more uncertainty. Tiny rivulets of icy water trickle down from the waterfall and freeze, adding to the already slippery sheet of ice on the ground. The more adventurous traveler might either chance the dark woodlands ahead or ferret out some way to penetrate and attempt to swim the frozen river. The less daring of souls will quickly retreat from whence they came. You also see a small crack in the ice wall and a rickety wooden signpost stabbed mercilessly into the ice.

Sceth says, "Can have rangers take a trail to not lose the group if want."

Firehawk Casari's group went through a small crack in the ice wall.
[Dragon's Spine, Astrar's Sorrow]
The canyon terminates in frosty splendor, though the trail continues on, steeply switch-backing its way up the slick mountainside beside a stunning waterfall. Hanging from a valley far above, Astrar's Sorrow descends as a glittering cascade of frozen water forming a pleated veil of icy tears that fall perpetually without movement to the solid river of ice below. You also see a small crevice in the ice just behind the waterfall.

(travel)

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "A group is going treasure hunting."

You follow Casari southeast.
[Obsidian Pass, Foothills]
A wooded path winds its way through some low foothills on the edge of both forest and mountain. To the south stands the Forest of the Dragon's Breath, a place of much myth and legend. To the north, the Spine Mountains rise over the land, their jagged peaks tearing rents into the sky.

Firehawk Casari's group wandered over to a wooded path.
[The Edge of the Forest, Before the Dragon's Breath]
The lushness of the forest begins to form a living wall, the leaves of the towering trees tinted with the dark hue of brightly-polished scales. The path to the north dwindles into the more sinister area of the harsh mountains.

Betlind says, "Hmmm."

You follow Casari southwest.
[Fayrin's Rest, Telgi Mod'Sunhin]
The forest is shady here, beneath towering oaks that spread their branches like gods chanting spells of creation. Small cylindrical houses of limed earth and wood cluster at ground level. People engaged in gardening and chatting with neighbors glance briefly your way and nod, before returning to their activities.

(travel)

You follow Casari southwest.
[Southern Trade Route, Road to Shard]
Wyvern Mountain towers far into the sky to the southwest, a monument to time and myth. East of it reclines Shard, a shimmer of light against the omnipresent darkness of the glowering peak. You also see a muddy trail.
Also here: Lord Knight Hebion, Fearless Crobin, Dzive Asini Leayne, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Wind Listener Sceth, Western Wrath Xionara, Lexxa, Rienth, Firehawk Casari and Isthu'rath'a Saar'adu Kzin who has a fiery visage.
Obvious paths: northeast, east, south.

Betlind asks, "Should we let others on gweth know of our plans if they wanted to join in?"

Firehawk Casari's group wandered over to a muddy trail.
[Shard, Northwestern Shore]
A muddy path wends its way amidst the reeds which border the shore of the Lake of Tears. To the southeast, the towers of Shard loom above the city walls, gleaming as brightly as a paladin's soul.

You follow Casari west.
[Shard, Northwestern Shore]
A snake slithers quickly into the reeds, passing out of sight. The wise traveler watches with a wary eye, never knowing whether or not a new creature will prove dangerous. You also see a large purple tent flying the flag of Ilithi.

Zersha nods to Betlind.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Shard, Northwestern Shore]
The water of the lake laps against the trail as travelers clamber from rock to rock to make their way around the shoreline. A faint scent of roasting meats wafts over the lake from a local inn, making the mouth water and hurrying wayfarers on to their destination.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Shard, Northwestern Shore]
A muddy path wanders through the reeds to the west of the city of Shard, the dark-brown mud clinging to the hem of cloaks and trousers of those who travel this route. Somewhere to the east, a fish or some other creature splashes in the lake, disturbing the stillness of the trail.

You follow Casari south.
[Wyvern Trail, Journey's Rest]
A small area has been cleared here for travelers to stop and rest before crossing the bridge to Shard's west gate, or stop and recheck their packs before leaving the city's comfortable embrace entirely. Wyvern Mountain stands in the western distance, a great waterfall cascading down its face. You also see a muddy trail and the battered and splintered remains of a barricade that once blocked the passage west.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
A dull roar can be heard from the west as water cascades down the face of Wyvern Mountain, its looming presence casting shadows that absorb light and chill the air. To the east is the Lake of Tears, its waters casting glimmering reflections against the crystal walls of Shard. Around the base of the mountain, a crude road curves into the distance.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
Chunks of rock and debris have fallen from the heights of the mountain to lie scattered haphazardly on the road. The air is dense with the scent of mosses and damp earth, and the sound of Wyvern's great waterfall rumbles all around. To the north, the Dragon Spine Mountains lurch in jagged silhouette against the skyline.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
The road narrows slightly as it bends to follow the base of Wyvern Mountain. Shade-loving columbine and blue iris stretch to reach any stray beams of sunlight that manage to filter past the great shadows of the Spine.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
The road rises slightly, continuing its long trek. Wyvern Mountain towers overhead, its misty, snow-capped reaches so distant that they seem almost unreal, as if painted against the sky. A small spring trickles across the road, feeding nearby clusters of mint and sorrel with its mineral-rich water. You also see a wrought iron gate and a rockslide.

Lexxa shakes her head.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
Large boulders hug the foot of the slopes, silently keeping vigil over the road beneath them. Occasionally there are slithering or skittering sounds among the rocks, but no sign of the creatures inhabiting their shadowed crevices. To the north, the Dragon Spine range pushes up towards the sky, a stark frame for the chill reaches of Wyvern Mountain. You also see a basalt pebble and a rocky path.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
Some unknown force has left one slope of the mountain fire-blackened and sheared nearly smooth. Carved into the base of the slope is a line of flowing, irregular symbols, weathered and almost entirely chipped away. On the other side of the road, a blanket of tiny starflowers covers the scorched land, beginning the cycle of renewal.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
A chill breeze rustles periodically through the low brush and plants flanking the scree-covered road. Towards the north, the Dragon Spine can be seen, jutting out like rocky teeth from a nest of brown and green vegetation. Above, Wyvern Mountain looms against the southern skyscape, its jagged profile immense and austere.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
Traversing around the base of the mountain, the road is eternally cloaked in shadow as it is greeted on both sides by tall, white-capped peaks. Hardy slopes of juniper and pine flourish to the east, fanning out to meet the Dragon Spine range. Towards the south, the edge of the great Wyvern lifts up at a steady incline, rocky and hazardous.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Foot of Wyvern Mountain]
Like a monument crafted by the gods themselves, Wyvern Mountain reaches towards the heavens, its massive circumference dominating the southern landscape. A sparkling haze, heavy with ice crystals, hangs over its upper reaches as the mountain's rocky and sparsely vegetated slopes cascade down to eventually embrace the road beneath.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Below the Spine]
Winding along the bottom of otherwise rugged terrain, the road continues to skirt the mountains as they keep watch in timeless vigil. Above, the Dragon Spine begins its curving trek towards the Dragon's Breath Forest, while here only juniper and tufts of white starflowers and the graceful stalks of gold yarrow grace the scene. To the west, the land opens up into swathes of deep green.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Below the Spine]
Stunted pines and prickly hawthorn grow rampant along the edges of the road. Occasionally, groups of tiny mountain chickadees alight there to search for seeds, then scatter back into the air. The Spine towers to the northeast, its peaks a jagged silhouette.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Western Road, Below the Spine]
The road is filled with bumps and cracks created by the restless earth under the surrounding mountain ranges. Their rocky peaks dominate the sky and cast constant shadows on the land below.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Western Road, Below the Spine]
Flung from the upper slopes as though in protest against any traveler's intrusion, rubble and scree are scattered in all directions. Despite the obstacles, the road continues to wind around the base of the Dragon Spine Range. Toward the northeast, rolling hills lead down into a wide basin that is lush with a green-gold cloak of vegetation. Hulking to the south is Wyvern Mountain, guarding a rocky pass. You also see a twisting mountain trail.

Lexxa says, "The private channel."

You follow Casari northeast.
[Western Road, Lightly Forested Hills]
The crisp scent of evergreens floats though the forested hills, carried by ranks of lodgepole pines. Growing in the shadows of the Spine, the pines are tall and grasping, reaching up for every bit of sunlight. In their dense branches, the bittersweet call of orioles or mockingbirds sounds occasionally, though the wary birds stay well out of sight. Toward the south the pines make way for more rugged country as the road passes below the mountains.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Lightly Forested Hills]
Rolling onward through the hills, the road is roughly channeled, the result of rainwater pouring down the slopes in heavy storms. On either side, the tall pines rise like silent sentinels, guarding the passage to the lands beyond. The surrounding forest is shadowy and quiet, with only occasional rustling from deep amongst the trees revealing the presence of other beings.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Western Road, Lightly Forested Hills]
Exquisitely sharp peaks throw back the weather that tries to press forward from the warmer climes of the east. Lofting so stark and tall that they swallow the sky, they almost seem to be straining to throw off the bonds of the earth. Often, little showers of pebbles rattle down, tumbling to a final stop on the dark, ice-scoured road.

You follow Casari north.
[Western Road, Lightly Forested Hills]
A constant, chill breeze snakes across the road, driven down from somewhere on the upper reaches of the Wyvern's slopes. Little paths reach towards thinly wooded gullies that split the forests to the south, then ghost away, overwhelmed by lush vegetation. You also see a cloud of silver-grey mist.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Dropping from a cleft in the Dragon Spine, Wyvern Wood curves southerly, then wings out toward the western end of the mountain that is its namesake. Its stands of huge cedar trees, punctuated by groves of silverwillow and aspen, form a dense green mosaic unsullied by any signs of civilization.

Lexxa says, "Only."

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Thanks to the pervasive forest, a fragrant mat of leaves and conifer needles litters the ground year-round. The damp, cool air carries the tiny symphony of sounds that make up life in these dense woodlands -- the fluting calls of birds, the rattle of branches, and the chanting of tree frogs are nearly always present in varied harmonies.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Stretching to capture any light that can filter down past the mountain peaks and through the dense canopy of cedar, a spindly maple clings to the road's embankment. Its surface roots splay in all directions, forming knotted tangles that require cautious passage.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Two huge cedar trees bank the road, their branches forming a natural arch overhead. Further from the road larger, older trees abound, their trunks so massive that they stand like the ancient watchtowers of some wildwood civilization.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Nestled along the road between the trees is a patch of ground lilies, basking in filtered beams of sunlight. The road is fairly straight and wide, although the presence of slippery piles of leaves and large fallen branches makes the path less than easy going. Tall red cedars trail off into the distance, the larger ones making up the heart of the Wyvern Wood to the east.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
The road bends sharply to the southwest, curving around a large cedar tree that has seen fit to grow in the middle of the road. Several rowan trees line the western half of the road around the defiant cedar, while aspen and silverwillow struggle for space and light among the towering forests to the east.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Western Road, Wyvern Wood]
Feathery rowan trees encroach from the west, beginning to mix with the stately cedars that mark the edges of Wyvern Wood. Royal ferns cluster in the damp mounds of earth at the edge of the roadway, their heavy fronds deep green in the shadows of the taller trees.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Open Forest]
Weaving through groves of rowan trees, the road is dappled with veils of shadow cast by their arching boughs. To the east, towering red cedars begin to fill the skyline as this expansive montane forest collides with the edges of the denser woodlands.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Open Forest]
The long, weary road tumbles through lush open forest, nestled between the great mountains that make up this rugged region. As though the earth itself was left uneasy by the heritage of the Dragon Priests, another mountain range has been thrown up in the northwest.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
The northern horizon darkens with the ice-laden peaks of the Himineldar Shel range. Its slopes flow down to meet the majestic foothills of the Dragon Spine Mountains, as though two mighty serpents of stone and earth have met upon a colossal field of battle and become locked in eternal struggle.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
Tumbling through the lower slopes of the Himineldar, the Western Road travels up and down gentle foothills through an open forest of aspen, pine, and fir. As if confirming the old Dwarven saying, "Mountains make their own weather," thick clouds ring the peaks above. They cluster just below the tree line, paying homage to the rocky, snow-glittered heights.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
The road crests one of the foothills, opening outward to a good view of the forest that stretches into the distance in a tapestry of green and gold and brown. Lodgepole pine trees prevail on these rocky slopes, climbing up the flanks of the mountains like an army holding siege to an icy fortress.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
Skirting around the base of the great Himineldar, the rugged road dips between foothills, passing jagged chunks of boulder and struggling young trees. Tall clumps of switchgrass have taken hold amongst the mountains, dividing the austere grey crags and crevices with inlets of pale gold.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
The Himineldar Shel adorn the northwest skyline like a massive sculpture of granite that trails into the far distance. Conifers stunted by icy winds huddle around their base, sometimes scaling up the rocks in nearly-perfect lines. To the west, the road bends away from the forest toward the mountains, traveling a smoother path beneath the deep blue shadow of the peaks.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
Flurries of chilling wind sweep down almost constantly from the snow-packed peaks, their icy fingers seeming to search for warmth to destroy. To the north are the majestic Himineldar -- rocky giants laced with ribbons of green trees that grow sparse and then fade away at the uppermost reaches. A dense mist hangs around the heights, giving the mountains a hazy, dreamlike aura from this distance. Among the wind-gnarled pines of the foothills, the road continues along its winding path.
Also here: Rienth, Lexxa, Western Wrath Xionara, Wind Listener Sceth, Stellar Statistician Urbaj, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Lord Knight Hebion and Firehawk Casari.
Obvious paths: southeast, west.

You follow Casari west.
[Western Road, Himineldar Foothills]
The side of the mountain has been sheared away. Shattered blocks of rock scattered among the overgrown brush hint that this area may once have been a quarry, though the lush growth of lupine among the fragments show that it is long abandoned. To the east, thin young saplings mark the beginning of a spanning forest, while to the west, rocky grasslands roll down into a basin nestled in the shadows of the Himineldar.
Also here: Lord Knight Hebion, Fearless Crobin, Dzive Asini Leayne, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Stellar Statistician Urbaj, Wind Listener Sceth, Western Wrath Xionara, Lexxa, Rienth and Firehawk Casari.
Obvious paths: east, west.

(travel)

Firehawk Casari's group climbed up a narrow path.
[The Western Road, Vista]
Rolling plains stretch to a range of faraway mountains on the western horizon. The road, however, links the bluff and the rising ground to the northwest, a region of low ridges and small groves of trees. You also see a narrow path.
Also here: Rienth, Lexxa, Western Wrath Xionara, Wind Listener Sceth, Stellar Statistician Urbaj, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Lord Knight Hebion and Firehawk Casari.

Casari says, "I hope none of you are scared of shalswar."

Lexxa says, "Afraid if we broadcast the heralds will know."

You follow Casari northwest.
[The Western Road, Farmlands]
Fields to the north and south of the road look cultivated, or at least were tilled some short time in the past. The road is in good repair, which argues for a local population that takes on the task of maintenance.

Leayne frowns at Crobin.

You follow Casari northwest.
[The Western Road, Farmlands]
Yew trees line the road, bordering it in a stately procession to the west. A carpet of their fallen needles cushions the wheel or foot that travels in their shade. Judging from their size, the trees have a few years on them and were obviously placed by design rather than nature.

You follow Casari west.
[The Western Road, A Ruined Manse]
A short avenue of yew trees leads to a low pile of rubble. It must have been a noteworthy manse at one time: the extent of the remains, the carriage drive before what was its entrance, and the circle of sheltering trees all bespeak a residence of importance in the region.

You follow Casari west.
[The Western Road, Farmlands]
On each side of the road is a colonnade of yew trees whose lines extend a fair distance to the east and whose fallen needles hush the noises of the road. Whoever planted the big trees wanted something impressive, even showy, and they serve the purpose well.

You follow Casari northwest.
[The Western Road, Farmlands]
A boldly carved wooden figure stands on a polished sandstone slab in the middle of the road, surrounded by piles of drying flowers, food, and other offerings. A circle of benches surrounds the statue for those who wish to break their journey for rest or reflection.

You follow Casari west.
[The Western Road, Foothills]
The road occasionally greets a tilled field, but for the most part, scrub grasses separate stands of trees. The groups of sumac, laurel, birch, and a few firs are denser and more numerous to the west than to the east.

(travel)

You follow Casari northwest.
[The Western Road, Stream Bank]
A shallow stream running down the valley crosses the road, its banks decorated by leafy ferns. Frogs call, birds sing and dragonflies dart and hover over the water. To the southeast, the road runs uphill through a big meadow. You also see a baby forest gryphon.

Betlind says, "Fair."

You follow Casari west.
[The Western Road, The Stream]
The comfortable current and the pebbly bottom of the shallow stream make about as good a road as any on this long trek. The bank is high and undercut to the west, and the water deepens to the south, making both of those directions look chancy.

(travel)

You follow Casari northeast.
[Seord Kerwaith, Crystalline Gorge]
The frigid wind slides smoothly across the rock walls that enclose the valley, pulling shards of ice and compacted snow from the rough surface. A massive boulder of the same black rock found within this valley rests securely in a narrow divot cut into the ground, covered in narrow gouges that crisscross along its rough surface. In the gentle dusting of snow covering the ground several clawed prints follow the shadows along the edge of the valley leading northward towards the outpost.

Casari gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

An armored shalswar stalks into the area with a vicious hiss, jerking its neck around swiftly with bird-like movements.

An armored shalswar stalks into the area with a vicious hiss, jerking its neck around swiftly with bird-like movements.

Sceth gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

Miskton gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

Rienth gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I'm feeling contrary today it seems, because I disagree. They could listen in on us with our voices just as easily as our thoughts, I think they mostly ignore both."

Malorna gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

Maraisel gets down on the ground and crawls through the dark hole.

[Seord Kerwaith, Squat Cavern]
The interior of the small cavern is carved from the heart of the black stone, the walls covered with the chiseled gouges of pickaxes. Several shallow stone basins hung on rusted chains from the wall bathe the area in a pale yellow glow. The frigid breeze of the valley outside meets with the unexplainably warm air filling the narrow space, condensing on the wall in crystal-clear droplets of water. You also see a gouged stone wall.

Nawain crawls in through the dark hole.

Nawain stands up.

Enelne's Champion Nawain went through a gouged stone wall.

[Seord Kerwaith, Squat Cavern]
The interior of the small cavern is carved from the heart of the black stone, the walls covered with the chiseled gouges of pickaxes. Several shallow stone basins hung on rusted chains from the wall bathe the area in a pale yellow glow. The frigid breeze of the valley outside meets with the unexplainably warm air filling the narrow space, condensing on the wall in crystal-clear droplets of water. You also see a gouged stone wall.

Zersha crawls in through the dark hole.

Xionara crawls in through the dark hole.

Urbaj crawls in through the dark hole.

Xionara leaps to her feet!

Enelne's Champion Nawain came through a gouged stone wall.

Zersha rises to her feet fluidly, like a large, graceful cat.

Desert Blossom Zersha went through a gouged stone wall.

Casari asks, "Anyone missing?"

Nawain joins Casari's group.

Urbaj stands up.

Maraisel stands up.

Rienth stands up.

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Yeah.. Leayne at least."

Casari seems to be waiting for something.

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Crobin's back there."

The stone wall slowly closes.

Firehawk Casari's group went through a gouged stone wall.
[Cragstone Vale, Tunnel]
Rising steeply from a rough-hewn opening, the passage is large enough for several mounted S'Kra Mur to ride abreast. Gouges of chisels and other marks of excavation abound, but the natural crack splitting the tunnel's ceiling indicates that this was once little more than a natural fissure in the flank of the mountain. The flickering glow of countless torches, affixed to the walls with thick metal brackets, bathe the passage in a pale yellow light. You also see a gouged stone wall.

Firehawk Casari's group went through a rough-hewn opening.
[Cragstone Vale, Korograth Lair]
The walls of the chasm gradually bow toward each other until they finally embrace, forming a protective arch over the terminus of the canyon. The floor of the enclosure has been quarried to create a ring of colossal depressions where shattered, young mikkhalbamar trunks and rounded stones have been laid as bedding material. Nestled between these korograth roosts, a tunnel mouth leads into the rock face.

You follow Casari east.
[Cragstone Vale, Granite Canyon]
The sheer walls of the defile tower overhead, crowding ever closer together. Only a thin ribbon of sky remains visible through the incomplete arch above. Occasional, rumbling thumps echo from the east and west, causing gravel to cascade to the canyon floor. Strangely, the pathway is clear of fallen rock.

You follow Casari east.
[Cragstone Vale, Granite Canyon]
Over fifty paces in height, the granite walls of this canyon lean toward each other, allowing little light to reach the floor. The near-vertical cliffs and fallen boulders alike have been worn smooth by the action of water, but the accumulation of silt and animal remains indicates that its source has long since been diverted. The skeleton of a massive korograth rises to one side of the path. You also see a rock-strewn road.

Firehawk Casari's group went through a rock-strewn road.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
As the open roadway clings to the massive flank of the mountain, the forest seems to glower angrily, its branches clawing for complete dominion of the valley. Only the crushing passage of enormous beasts has kept the mikkhalbamar at bay. A tangled deadfall stretches deep into the trees while a massive crag to the south opens into a narrow canyon walled by sheer cliffs.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Cragstone Vale, Corral]
The mountain's flank flattens, creating a broad ledge between the cliffs above and the forest below. A fence of stout mikkhalbamar logs has been erected around the area to create an enclosure in which the Dragon Priests train their war mounts. Through a massive, open gate to the southeast, the road continues toward the mountain itself.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Cragstone Vale, Corral]
The mountain's flank flattens, creating a broad ledge between the cliffs above and the forest below. A fence of stout mikkalbamar logs has been erected around the area to create an enclosure in which the Dragon Priests train their war mounts, but some great force has left the barricade in ruins here. You also see a trampled barrier.

An armored shalswar creeps into the area with a wide gait, snorting loudly as it scents at the air for prey.

An armored shalswar creeps into the area with a wide gait, snorting loudly as it scents at the air for prey.

Maraisel says, "We look to be missing several people."

Firehawk Casari's group wandered down a trampled barrier.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
The overgrown roadway stretches to the southwest, while a section of crushed fence leads to a rocky shelf above. The sound of rushing water can be heard from the north where a huge, fallen tree has been toppled away from the road, creating a narrow void through the underbrush.

Casari says, "I waited a while."

You follow Casari southwest.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
The forest crowds the road as the neglected path winds its way through a depression in the valley floor. Rainwater and mountain snowmelt have eroded a sharp gully that blocks the way westward. No movement comes from the surrounding trees despite an occasional breeze passing through the area.

Firehawk Casari's group climbed down a sharp gully.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
An occasional twittering bird breaks the silence of the forest canopy that hangs over this stretch of road. Boughs of mikkhalbamar block most of the sky from view. The pathway widens to the southwest while a rain-washed gully blocks the way east.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
The forest rises to the north of the roadway while the scarred wall of the ravine rises to the south. Some cataclysmic force fractured the cliff face above, causing a tumult of rock and debris to cascade across the road. You also see a jagged rockslide.

Firehawk Casari's group climbed down a jagged rockslide.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
Burned stumps line a path littered with boulders, rocks and chunks of fused slag. The forest appears to shy away from shattered trees that add to the look of devastation. The road continues southwest while a jagged rockslide blocks the way east.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
From this small rise, the surrounding terrain is clearly visible. The river lies to the northwest, while to the northeast a massive rockslide crests across the road as it snakes its way around a buckle in the ravine wall. To the west, the route continues past a collection of pikes displaying sun-bleached skulls capped with Dwarven great helms.

You follow Casari west.
[Cragstone Vale, Roadway]
The road hugs the river, culminating in a bridge that once spanned the flow, leading to the mouth of the valley. Scorched, scarred earthworks are all that now remain of a long abandoned fortification. The great rents in the defenses must have been torn by a devastating force, exposing a massive shard of black rock resting at its heart.

Casari disappears through the shard!

Urbaj disappears through the shard!

Nawain disappears through the shard!

Miskton disappears through the shard!

Maraisel disappears through the shard!

[Seord Kerwaith, Crystalline Gorge]
Resting in the shadow of the Himineldar Shel, the dark pass cuts a treacherous path over snowy slopes to the wilderness of Forfedhdar beyond. With every breath, the freezing mountain air claws at travelers, seeming to steal the warmth from their very lungs. The walls enclose the valley tower high above, its surface glimmering in the available light. A gentle rain of snow and ice cascade from the mountain summit high above, dusting the area with a light powdering of pristine snow.

Xionara appears before you!

Sceth says, "Ya all slow."

Sceth chuckles.

Xionara gives Sceth a gentle poke in the ribs.

Xionara gives Sceth a gentle poke in the ribs.

Rienth appears before you!

Sceth squirms.

Sceth joins Casari's group.

Xionara whimpers softly.

Xionara hums to herself.

Malorna joins Casari's group.

Casari asks, "Did we lose anyone new?"

Zersha joins Casari's group.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "We're missing Crobin, Leayne, and Betlind at least."

Malorna says, "Was 13 i think . now 10."

Zersha casually observes the area.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Hebion is missing too."

Casari shrugs.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
A large section of black stone has broken away from the surrounding walls and extends several feet off the ground. Gentle streams of yellowish water trickle down the sundered rock before seeping into a crevice at its base. The distant smell of sulfur is barely discernible upon the bone-chilling mountain gusts.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
Thick layers of ice cover the sheer black walls that press in around the pass, bathing the area in eternal shadow. Icy winds swirl though the narrow channel, carrying a flurry of snow with every forceful gust. The road curves sharply to and fro upon its meandering path though the maze of unforgiving stone.

(travel)

Yavash sets, slowly dropping below the horizon.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
The air is filled with the overwhelming stench of sulfur, and sickly yellow smoke billows from a narrow crack in black stone floor. Shallow pools of brackish water fill gentle dips and niches carved into the stone lining the roadway, their surfaces covered with a papyrus-thin layer of ice.

Casari says, "Gets slippery aorund here."

You follow Casari north.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
The raging wind trailing down from the frozen peaks fills the air with a high-pitched shriek as its cuts though the jagged stone that towers above the narrow road. Deep scratches covered in a thick layer of ice sweep gracefully across the black stone, the remnants of some long forgotten melee fought on these icy slopes.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Betlind says Leayne couldn't get through the hole."

You follow Casari west.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
The pathway narrows slightly as it curls inward onto itself, meandering amongst the sharp-edged formations of black rock that dot the landscape. Several stone steps, covered in layers of lustrous ice, allow easier travel down to the basalt valley nestled in the shadow of the mountain.

You follow Casari west.
[Seord Kerwaith, Mountain Road]
An ice-covered arch frames the entrance to a rickety bridge that spans the gaping canyon. Pillars of black rock rise high above the path, each with a jagged apex unsmoothed by time and the elements. High above, the infamous Himineldar Shel towers above the surrounding landscape, its snow capped peaks glinting in the available light. You also see a rope bridge.

Nawain leans over and quickly removes her boots from her feet.

Nawain puts her boots in her slender rugursora.

Firehawk Casari's group went across a rope bridge.
[Himineldar Shel, Rope Bridge]
Spanning the massive gap over a curving canyon that follows the lower contours of the Himineldar Shel, the bridge sways hazardously in the swirling breeze sweeping upward from the raging river below. Massive icicles dangle from every surface of the rickety structure, occasionally snapping loose to tumble from sight. The landscape beyond is shrouded by a thick opaque mist, giving the air a nearly tangible presence.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Himineldar Shel, Rope Bridge]
The path slants along the rock face at a sharp angle and ends suddenly at a makeshift wooden bridge, reaching across the gaping maw of a chasm at a nearly vertical angle. Numerous trickles of crystal clear water sweep downward along the massive formations of ice, slipping quietly off the side of the chasm with a gentle gurgle. An opaque mist swirls around the swaying, ice-slick bridge, giving an oddly unreal quality to the rushing gurgle of unseen water in the chasm below.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Crystal fonts of spring water trickle from jagged crevices that streak across the stone facade of the Himineldar Shel, forming curious icy sculptures and giving the appearance of an enormous crystal fountain. From time to time, shards of ice or rock tumble from the treacherous cliffs above, landing in the gorge below with a resounding impact. The road tightly hugs the sheer cliffs as it cuts a pathway though the rugged landscape.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Far below, a lush valley is visible, framed within jagged peaks of icy black stone. A gentle mist rises from the jungle as tropical birds sweep amongst the stone-grey canopies that push in close to a massive black spire set into the southeastern wall. The low babble of water reverberates off the icy walls of the mountainside, slowly slipping downward in semicircular beds of ice that follow the contours of the roadway.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
The road curves sharply as it slides along the sheer walls of ice that coat the mountainside. Along the outer side of the path, a deep chasm sweeps downward to end in a gorge filled with dagger-like rock protrusions littered with the remnants of wood and bone. Rushing icy water spews down from a wide crack in the mountainside, the spray freezing instantly upon contact with the frigid air, making travel very hazardous.

You follow Casari east.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Along the sheer walls that surround the roadway, thick sheets of ice cling to the rough stone beneath. Within it hang rocks, stones and various other debris, appearing to rest weightless in midair. Sharp gusts of wind sweep down the mountainside, pulling shards of ice from the face of the glacier to send them careening into the gorge far below.

Malorna asks, "Anyone need a heal ?"

You follow Casari northeast.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Cataclysmic events shattered this mighty mountain, creating a basalt wall that rises high into the sky. A twisting trail, barely wide enough to walk along, hugs the sheer rock face overlooking a deep chasm that plunges into unseen depths. Raging winds race through the narrow gorge, assaulting the ears and mind with their high-pitched shriek.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Imposing rock walls rise above the narrow trail, their incredible height blocking the feeble light of day from reaching the bottom of the gorge. Water trickling down from a hidden spring freezes, forming hideous misshapen monstrosities that glare down upon the snowy passage. Howling winds rip through the pass dislodging the icy growths, sending the figures flying in an awkward dance before shattering at the bottom of the gorge.

Rienth casually observes the area.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Majestic snowcapped peaks and an undisturbed blanket of snow are but a few of the treasures this region has to offer. Rugged mountains form a protective circle around a small plateau, sparing it from the harshest weather. In sharp contrast to the torturous winds and storms beyond, this sheltered spot is peaceful and serene. Snow crystals, blown aloft from the heights, float lazily through the still air. Their graceful flight lends a magical quality to the small fell.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Jagged cliffs rise on each side of the twisting trail, the rock walls channeling and strengthening the fierce winds that race through the gorge. Deep snow drifts, a constant presence through this region, cover the pass like the swells of a frozen sea. Splintered fragments of rock, remnants of past slides, litter the blanket of snow making for a hazardous journey. The crumbling stone and suffocating layer of white lend an eerie stillness to the pass broken only by the howling wind.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Assaulted by an endless series of storms and brutal winds, the narrow trail slowly wends its way through the pass. Sheer rock walls rise on either side of the path. In the distant past a river raced through the tight confines of this gorge. The raging gales frequently dislodge large boulders from the cliffs above. With little warning these missiles plummet and shatter violently on impact with the bottom of the pass, showering the trail and snow drifts with debris.

You follow Casari west.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Fractured rocks, the shattered bones of the mountain, tell the tale of a recent slide and lie scattered about the trail. Larger splinters thrust up through the deep drifts, the dull greys and browns in stark contrast to the purity of the white snow pack. Howling winds rush down from the highest peaks, screaming through the pass with a banshee-like wail. Majestic snowcapped mountains stretch across the horizon with regal splendor, their beauty belying their cold-hearted truth. You also see a narrow crack.

Zersha asks in a Velakan accent, "You know, this is a mountain and it's icy, isn't it?"

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

Nawain chuckles.

Rienth nods to Zersha.

Xionara ponders.

Miskton nods to Zersha.

Rienth says, "True."

Rienth chuckles.

Nawain casually observes the area.

(Nawain kicks at the snow a bit hopefully.)

Casari asks, "Was that there before?"

Malorna asks, "Maybe . searching?"

Desert Blossom Zersha went through a narrow crack.

Miskton glances at a narrow crack.

Searching the Ancient Tunnel

Firehawk Casari's group went through a narrow crack.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The biting cold of the outside seems held at bay, as no snow or creeping frost makes its way across the entrance. Old stone lines the ceiling, walls, and floor of this odd hallway, interrupted by the occasional dead root that snuck between the joints and withered in the darkness. The masonry is of an immaculate form you do not recognize, each block a different size and cut that somehow merge together in a mosaic of impressively fitting, and impressively smooth surfaces, without any mortar. The air is perfectly still, and the hallway fades into darkness ahead of you. You also see a narrow crack.
Also here: Rienth, Western Wrath Xionara, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Dreambound Prophet Miskton, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Wind Listener Sceth, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Firehawk Casari and Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter.
Obvious exits: northeast.

As Casari's enchante winds down to a close, she lets each note linger on the air.

Desert Blossom Zersha went through a narrow crack.

Nawain casually observes the area.

Rienth blinks.

Desert Blossom Zersha came through a narrow crack.

Nawain casually observes the area.

Malorna searches around for a moment.

Nawain nods.

Nawain whispers to your group, "No mana."

Nawain whispers to your group, "No speaking."

Desert Blossom Zersha went through a narrow crack.

Casari searches around for a moment.

Desert Blossom Zersha came through a narrow crack.

Nawain points northeast.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A mildly unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

Casari searches around for a moment.

Urbaj draws forth a braided smokewhorl whip with fire whirl rubies set into a long tapered handle.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A mildly unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

Sceth whispers to your group, "cant perc heal wither"

Casari searches around for a moment.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A moderately unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

Rienth whispers to your group, "Can't do pretty much anything..."

Casari searches around for a moment.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A moderately unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

Zersha whispers to your group, "We should go back to the crack and wait for the rest of the group, we left behind some of our best fighters."

You follow Casari northeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by an odd sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A thrumming wave emanates from ahead, causing uncomfortable disorientation.

Miskton whispers to your group, "Feels like something unpleasant ahead."

Casari nods at Miskton, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lexxa just arrived.

You follow Casari northwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by a sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A loud wave emanates from ahead, causing a headache.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Agreed. And buff."

Rienth whispers to your group, "Do they know where we are? Can we get word to them?"

Zersha nods at Nawain, obviously agreeing with her views.

You follow Casari northeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by a loud sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A nearly deafening buzzing fills the area.

Zersha whispers to your group, "I let them know about the crack on the ice road."

Lexxa just arrived.

Casari winces.

Rienth nods.

Sceth whispers to your group, "cant gweth either"

Lexxa nods to Sceth.

The Artifact is Found

You follow Casari north.
[Ancient Tunnel, Null Chamber]
The stonework appears to spiral outward from a central point, a whorl of finely mortared masonry that radiates around the room and down the hallway. A short plinth terminates in a gentle bowl, which cradles a bronze bell. All sound is utterly blocked, the chamber burdened by a heavy, absolute silence.

Nawain shivers.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Bell."

Lexxa whispers to your group, "that would seem like something is powerful blocking gweth down here?"

Sceth nods to Lexxa.

Rienth glances at a bronze bell.

Casari examines the bell and suddenly grunts in pain! Clasping her hands to her ears, you watch as blood begins to seep through Casari's fingers.

Nawain winces.

Rienth's eyes glaze over slightly as he seems momentarily unaware of his surroundings. Only moments pass before he snaps back to the present.

Casari winces.

Casari's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present.

Nawain whispers to your group, "Mana"

>study bell
As you take a closer look, you are certain you could WAVE the bell to ring it, SHOVE it to try and knock it off the plinth, and RUB it to examine the strange script etched into its surface. The bell feels impossibly ancient, and you are unsure what to make of it.

Lexxa examines the bell and suddenly grunts in pain! Clasping her hands to her ears, you watch as blood begins to seep through Lexxa's fingers.

Miskton examines the bell and suddenly grunts in pain! Clasping his hands to his ears, you watch as blood begins to seep through Miskton's fingers.

>rub bell
You step forward and try to inspect the script, running your hand along the finely etched lettering, and an immense pressure builds behind your eyes. The script twists and a deafening buzzing roars in your ears! You gasp in pain, clasping your hands to your ears, and feel warm blood pouring from between your fingers.

Lexxa whispers to your group, "crap"

Zersha whispers to your group, "What did you do that hurt you?"

(Bardic evoke) You focus on your surroundings, seeking any impressions of the past.

Three stand around a forge, swinging mallets that burn like the sun. Each strike echoes through the air, tears scale from the snarling lump of spitting, white-hot alloy. Dead stars flicker to life, and a mountain crumbles. The three shape the metal into a perfectly shaped bell.

The form cools, and one of the three etches a single line of strange script into the surface of the bell with Her red and gold lacquered nails, and the scars along her skin dull a moment.

As the bell cools, one of the three reaches down, and dipping His hand into the oceans depths, He lifts a void of darkness and bone to the bell, affixing it within.

The last of the three narrows her focus upon the bell, the blue pupils of her silver eyes dilating. The bell begins to vibrate, and then sing, shattered space radiating outward. She touches the bell, silencing it.

The three nod to one another and as one, turn to you, and as one, smile with immense cruelty.

With a start, you find yourself drawn back to the reality of the here and now.

Xionara gestures at a bronze bell.

Casari whispers to your group, "I can hear... a memory"

Lexxa whispers to your group, "rubbed it"

Miskton whispers to your group, "Rubbing the bell."

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Lexxa examines the bell and suddenly grunts in pain! Clasping her hands to her ears, you watch as blood begins to seep through Lexxa's fingers.

* Lexxa is slain before your eyes!

Lord Knight Hebion just arrived, leading his group.

Betlind gasps!

Betlind asks, "What happened?"

Betlind puts a pair of white alerce sandals with spun rainbow straps onto her feet.

Malorna says, "Was healing her."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "The bell can hurt you."

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Zersha pulls Hebion to her in a tight hug.

Betlind frowns.

Betlind bows to Hebion.

Zersha hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Hebion hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Hebion with a warm smile.

Casari says, "Well... we came here to destroy it."

Hebion nods politely.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "Rubbed it and read some script."

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Rienth examines the bell and suddenly grunts in pain! Clasping his hands to his ears, you watch as blood begins to seep through Rienth's fingers.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "No worries."

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Careful."

Casari says, "So shove it. Knock it off."

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "Yes be careful."

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

>shove bell
Without a second thought, you step forward and shove the bell, trying to force it from the bowl. The bell oddly resists, becoming incredibly heavy, or rolling aside and remaining in the bowl. Weird, and unsettling.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Urbaj tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Zersha tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "Try to destroy it."

Betlind squints.

Miskton tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Rienth tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa ask, "Maybe it's the artifact?"

Urbaj raises his arm skyward, chanting.

Zersha tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I'd guess so."

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Malorna says, "Someone study it."

Miskton says, "It certainly seems to be powerful."

Malorna says, "Dont touch."

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Raising."

Leayne rests her hand on Miskton's arm with a soft smile.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "Don't study it."

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Malorna asks, "Dont?"

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Nawain gestures at Lexxa.
A thin silver nimbus surrounds Lexxa.

Betlind says, "Nah, don't be tempted by any kinda evil knowledge, we're best just destroying it."

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Leayne rests her hand on Miskton's arm with a soft smile.

Casari tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Rienth tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Crobin ponders.

You hear the ghostly voice of Lexxa say, "You step forward and try to inspect the script, running your hand along the finely etched lettering, and an immense pressure builds behind your eyes. The script twists and a deafening buzzing roars in your ears! You gasp in pain, clasping your hands to your ears, and feel warm blood pouring from between your fingers. Slowly, the determination burning within you ebbs, the fierce pounding of your heart gradually subsiding."

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.

Casari says, "I'm not sure if we're getting anywhere."

The color in Nawain's eyes changes, the pupils gradually fading from sight as her eyes turn pale blue.

Betlind tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.

Miskton tries to shove the bell off the bowl, but seems to be unable to do so. Weird.
Suddenly the bell rolls oddly in the bowl, and flips over, clanging loudly against the bowl's surface! A large crack spiders across the bell, and a howling *clang* echoes madly across the area!

The bell appears broken!

(Crobin moves around the room taking it in, his eyes scanning)

Betlind lets out a hearty cheer for Miskton!

Sceth says, "Oh."

Casari says, "Oh."

You see Sceth kick a ruined bell.

Nawain gestures at Lexxa.

Lexxa is outlined by a silvery corona for a moment.

Nawain winces.

Betlind examines a ruined bell.

Casari examines a ruined bell.

>study bell
You carefully examine a ruined bell, but see nothing special.

Xionara blinks at Miskton.

Urbaj examines a ruined bell.

Nawain gestures at Lexxa.
A thin silver nimbus surrounds Lexxa.

Urbaj holds a ruined bell in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

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 Lexxa.
Dark crimson bands of light flow about the body of Lexxa, 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 Lexxa blinks dazedly, wobbling on her feet.

Casari says to Miskton, "Nicely done, Seer."

Lexxa says, "Thanks."

Miskton says, "Looks like we loosened up whatever was holding it in place."

Xionara haltingly says in a Prydaenese accent, "Of course."

Xionara chuckles at Miskton.

Lexxa mumbles a word of general praise.

Malorna lays her hand on Lexxa's arm.

Lexxa looks healthier and Malorna appears to weaken.

Hebion examines a ruined bell.

Rienth examines a ruined bell.

Leayne rests her hand on Casari's arm with a soft smile.

Rienth asks, "Any healer able to repair my head?"

Casari says, "I wonder if that had any effect on Asildu."

Hebion examines a ruined bell.

Rienth says, "Please and thank you."

Malorna rests her hand on Rienth's arm with a soft smile.

Rienth nods politely to Malorna.

Leayne rests her hand on Rienth's arm with a soft smile.

Lexxa says, "He said you could gweth to him."

Casari says, "Not in here, we can't."

Malorna says, "Ya no gwething from here."

Lexxa nods.

Hebion searches around for a moment.

Rienth searches around for a moment.

Leayne rests her hand on Nawain's arm with a soft smile.

Casari says, "Bards... listen closely."

Casari's eyes glaze over slightly as she seems momentarily unaware of her surroundings. Only moments pass before she snaps back to the present.

Lexxa says, "Now if we make it out of here and don't get dragon invaded."

Lexxa chortles softly at some secret joke.

Betlind bows to Leayne.

Lexxa says, "Thank you both."

Lexxa praises Malorna.

Lexxa praises Nawain.

Rienth says to Malorna, "Thank you."

(Casari closes her eyes and mouths something quietly in repetition, seemingly trying to memorize something.)

Nawain puts her scepter in her watersilk bag.

Malorna says, "Of course."

Rienth appears to be listening intently for something.

Rienth's eyes glaze over slightly as he seems momentarily unaware of his surroundings. Only moments pass before he snaps back to the present.

Zersha examines a ruined bell.

Miskton says, "The bell does seem to be thoroughly broken, at least."

You see Miskton tap a ruined bell.

Crobin says, "So strange."

Nawain nods in agreement.

Lexxa nods to Miskton.

Lexxa beams!

Nawain examines a ruined bell.

Casari asks, "We can talk about what we heard elsewhere. Does anyone see anything else to look after here, or should we get out?"

Betlind asks, "I have to ask... Did anyone try to ring it before we broke it?"

Urbaj shakes his head.

Casari shakes her head.

Miskton casually observes the area.

You see Sceth kick a ruined bell.

Betlind says, "Probably for the best, but... Can't help but be a bit curious."

Crobin picks up a ruined bell and examines it and then sets it down.

Lexxa grins at Betlind.

Casari says, "That's probably what Asildu thought."

Lexxa chortles softly at some secret joke.

Hebion closes his eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes his head and sighs in frustration.

Crobin gets a telothian serrated parazonium from inside his battle-scarred carryall.

Zersha cocks her head at Hebion.

Lexxa says, "Maybe not ringing it saved many lives."

Leayne softly asks, "Do we have time to buff up here?"

Nawain nods in agreement.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Ringing it might have alerted the Heralds."

(Crobin taps the parazonium against the bell)

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Leayne giggles at Crobin.

Betlind nods to Zersha.

Leayne softly says, "Buffing."

Crobin nods to Leayne.

Sceth says, "Fast disposal was prolly a good thing."

(Crobin starts move around the room his hands brushing the stone as he searches for anything)

Lexxa searches around for a moment.

Hebion joins Casari's group.

Zersha left the group.

Hebion left the group.

Hebion joins Zersha's group.

Zersha hugs Betlind, getting a smile in return.

Desert Blossom Zersha goes south, leading her group.

Lexxa says, "Please warn me before we go to leave."

Lexxa says, "I'm buffing up."

Leayne softly says, "Me too."

Priestess Aemaranth just arrived.

Nawain says in a Rakash accent, "Feel like we ought to be sure that wasn't just the obvious bait."

Casari says, "I'm not sure there's anything else to find here, so we'll head out in a moment."

Nawain shifts her weight.

Rienth nods.

Lexxa nods to Nawain.

Betlind moves into position to cover Leayne from harm.

You see Urbaj search a ruined bell.

Crobin smiles at Betlind.

Lexxa asks, "Does anyone see anything else besides the bell down here?"

You see Rienth search a ruined bell.

Leayne softly says, "I don't like when I don't have regen up, but AD is better for protection."

Casari says, "I'm not sure if the bell was a... trap, or what."

Aemaranth asks Nawain in a melodic accent, "Find anything interesting?"

Lexxa says, "He said we could miss it."

Nawain says to Aemaranth in a Rakash accent, "There was a bell, which we broke."

Nawain points at a ruined bell.

Lexxa nods to Nawain.

Casari says, "We'll just have to ask Asildu."

Sceth says, "Prolly need to ask Asildu."

Lexxa nods.

Leayne nods to Casari.

Aemaranth holds a ruined bell in both hands and closes her eyes in concentration.

Leayne smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Sceth says, "Jsut cant gweth here."

Sceth says, "Was lucky we can cast here."

Leayne nods to Sceth.

Lexxa nods in agreement.

Casari says, "Heading out of here in ten seconds."

Lexxa says, "Ok."

Leayne softly asks, "Is everyone all healed up?"

You see Aemaranth touch a ruined bell.

Urbaj picks up a ruined bell and examines it and then sets it down.

Casari says, "Here we go."

Debrief and Return to Shard

You follow Casari south.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by a loud sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A nearly deafening buzzing fills the area.

Lexxa nods.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by a sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A loud wave emanates from ahead, causing a headache.

You follow Casari southeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here is broken by an odd sound from ahead, the hallways acoustics seemingly amplifying and focusing the sound. All other noise seems to vanish, and the stone gradually takes on a more ordered pattern, winding along the bend ahead. A thrumming wave emanates from ahead, causing uncomfortable disorientation.

Shield of Starlight Betlind just arrived.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A moderately unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

Shield of Starlight Betlind just arrived.

You follow Casari southeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A moderately unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A mildly unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

You follow Casari southeast.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The silence here carries weight, whether due to the hallways acoustics or some magical property. Sounds seem to vanish, footsteps softened and muted. The stone surfaces of the hallway absorb all echoes, and the bend isolates from ahead and behind. A mildly unpleasant sensation emanates from ahead.

You follow Casari southwest.
[Ancient Tunnel, Preserved Pathway]
The biting cold of the outside seems held at bay, as no snow or creeping frost makes its way across the entrance. Old stone lines the ceiling, walls, and floor of this odd hallway, interrupted by the occasional dead root that snuck between the joints and withered in the darkness. The masonry is of an immaculate form you do not recognize, each block a different size and cut that somehow merge together in a mosaic of impressively fitting, and impressively smooth surfaces, without any mortar. The air is perfectly still, and the hallway fades into darkness ahead of you. You also see a narrow crack.

Firehawk Casari's group went through a narrow crack.
[Himineldar Shel, Mountain Road]
Fractured rocks, the shattered bones of the mountain, tell the tale of a recent slide and lie scattered about the trail. Larger splinters thrust up through the deep drifts, the dull greys and browns in stark contrast to the purity of the white snow pack. Howling winds rush down from the highest peaks, screaming through the pass with a banshee-like wail. Majestic snowcapped mountains stretch across the horizon with regal splendor, their beauty belying their cold-hearted truth. You also see a narrow crack.

Sceth whispers to your group, "left peple again"

Casari dusts herself off.

Urbaj stretches his arms.

Urbaj glances up at the sky.

Lexxa nods.

Xionara angles her ears forward in curiosity.

[General] Your mind hears Casari thinking, "Asildu. Do you feel any different?"

Casari points at a gwethdesuan she has.

Xionara glances up at the sky.

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "I felt... something."

Lexxa casually observes the area.

Nawain ponders.

Xionara ponders.

Lexxa whispers to your group, "whats wrong?"

Casari says, "I wonder if he's still where we left him."

Fearless Crobin's group just arrived.

Sceth grins at Crobin.

Casari says, "No sign of drakes... so far."

Leayne beams!

Leayne joins Casari's group.

Sceth says, "Couldnt gweth you either."

Betlind moves into position to cover Leayne from harm.

Lexxa beams!

Crobin joins Casari's group.

Sceth flails her arms about.

Leayne grins at Betlind, her dimples flashing into view.

Betlind hums to herself.

Leayne gives Betlind a smooch.

Lexxa asks, "So we go back to the glave?"

Casari asks Miskton, "What are the chances you left a moonbeam back there?"

Crobin puts his parazonium in his battle-scarred carryall.

[General] Your mind hears Casari thinking, "Are you where you were?"

Miskton says, "Well, unless we're all about to get eaten by drakes... I should make my way to the Rainbow Gala."

Lexxa grins at Miskton.

Nawain chuckles.

Lexxa says, "Thanks for coming out and exploring."

Miskton glances up at the sky.
After a few moments he lowers his gaze.

Leayne softly says, "Fight or party, hard choice."

Miskton chuckles.

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "I thought it best not to linger near anyone. Just in case."

Crobin laughs at Leayne.

Sceth says, "Im always dressed for either."

Sceth grins at Leayne.

Lexxa grins.

Miskton gazes skyward and traces the planetary alignments in the air.

Leayne giggles.

Miskton gestures.
A beam of clear silvery-blue light descends from the heavens.

Miskton says, "If anybody wants a gate to Shard, I'll open one momentarily."

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "Did you find it? Is that what I felt?"

Casari nods to Miskton.

Crobin asks, "Gala love?"

[General] Your mind hears Casari thinking, "I think so. But it also left some questions."

Leayne softly says, "Up to you."

Miskton gestures.
Without fanfare, Miskton is simply gone.

The sun nears the far horizon as the clear blue sky deepens into a rich indigo.

Leayne softly says, "I said it didn't matter which way."

Casari says, "I'm going to head through the moongate to Shard when it opens, at least. Better than standing out here on the mountain."

Crobin snuggles up to Leayne and cradles her in his arms.

Lexxa hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Lexxa with a warm smile.

Xionara hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Xionara with a warm smile.

Leayne just hugged Lexxa.

Lexxa nods to Casari.

Leayne hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Sceth asks, "Are you going to look for asildu ?"

Crobin says, "To the Gala we go."

A fierce blue-white glare forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. When it subsides, a Xibar-blue Moongate with a pulsing border of overlapping fractals stands before you, rippling slightly.

Xionara's ears perk up happily.

Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Lexxa says, "I'll go through too."

Xionara hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Xionara with a warm smile.

Leayne giggles.

Lexxa left the group.

Firehawk Casari's group went through a Xibar-blue Moongate with a pulsing border of overlapping fractals.
[Shard, East City Gates]
The Eastern Gate is the second most active entrance for the thriving trade of Shard. The looming presence of the Tower of Brickwell dominates the view to the north, a multitude of pennants emblazoned with the arms of many kingdoms, baronies, and other sovereign states flying from its battlements and marking it indelibly as the staging grounds for the Shard Trader's Guild. You also see a Xibar-blue Moongate with a pulsing border of overlapping fractals, a ladder to the top of the wall, a prominent warning sign and the Sentinel Neharon.
Also here: Rienth, Western Wrath Xionara, Stellar Statistician Urbaj who is blurred by hazy afterimages, Enelne's Champion Nawain who is shrouded in ghostly flames, Wind Listener Sceth, Bacon Bandit Malorna, Shield of Starlight Betlind, Dzive Asini Leayne, Fearless Crobin, Firehawk Casari and Dreambound Prophet Miskton.
Obvious paths: north, south, west.

Betlind bows to Miskton.

Lexxa came through a Xibar-blue Moongate with a pulsing border of overlapping fractals.

Xionara smiles at Miskton.

Miskton nods politely.

Casari says to Sceth, "If he wants to be found, yes."

Xionara's ears perk up happily.

Leayne softly says, "Aww."

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Miskton peers through the Xibar-blue Moongate.

A Xibar-blue Moongate with a pulsing border of overlapping fractals collapses in on itself.

Miskton passes by the sharp gaze of the Sentinel Neharon who is guarding the city gate.

Dreambound Prophet Miskton went through the East city gates.

[General] Your mind hears Casari thinking, "Is it safe for you to meet again now?"

Lexxa says, "I'm gonna check the secluded area."

Lexxa shrugs.

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "The Heralds will likely be on watch. I'll have to wait a day or two for it to be safe for me to visit and I can try to find everyone."

Nawain hums to herself.

Casari points at a gwethdesuan she has.

Sceth asks, "Did anyone try and get the bell after it was made inert?"

Casari says, "Sounds like he won't be able to meet us again right now."

Casari nods to Sceth.

Nawain nods.

Sceth nods.

Crobin says, "I tried but I couldn't pick it up."

[General] Your mind hears Ruea thinking, "The Heralds are not invited to the Rainbow Gala in Shard tonight but everyone else is. Mostly."

Betlind says, "I'm gonna head off to the gala. Thank you again, everyone."

Crobin asks, "Ready hun?"

Leayne nods.

Crobin left the group.

Betlind smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Betlind bows.

Urbaj says to Casari, "Thank you for leading that expedition. It certainly seems like it was effective."

Lexxa nods.

[General] Your mind hears Casari thinking, "Understood. Good luck."

Leayne left the group.

Betlind exclaims, "Stay safe!"

Shield of Starlight Betlind goes south.

Leayne takes her rightful place beside Crobin.

Urbaj puts his whip in his war belt.

Casari nods in agreement.

Xionara nods at Urbaj, obviously agreeing with his views.

Lexxa smiles.

Xionara nods at Urbaj, obviously agreeing with his views.

Nawain waves.

[General] Your mind hears Asildu thinking, "Thank you. I will be in touch with you all soon."

Lexxa nods.

Lexxa waves.

Leayne waves.

Lexxa says, "Thank you all."

Crobin says, "See if we can find the Gala."

Urbaj left the group.

Lexxa exclaims, "See you soon!"

Leayne softly says, "Oh."

Lexxa smiles.

Leayne softly says, "One of the houses."

Lexxa waves.

Lexxa hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Lexxa with a warm smile.

Lexxa just hugged Sceth.

Leayne softly says, "Not mine."

Lexxa hugs Malorna, getting a smile in return.

Crobin says, "Here we go."

Crobin hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Lexxa hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Lexxa with a warm smile.

Lexxa waves.

Crobin just hugged Lexxa.

Urbaj passes by the sharp gaze of the Sentinel Neharon who is guarding the city gate.
He glances suspiciously at him. However, after a moment he is waved on through.
Stellar Statistician Urbaj went through the East city gates.

Leayne hugs Malorna, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Xionara just hugged Lexxa.

Crobin hugs Xionara, who wraps her arms around Crobin with a warm smile.

Leayne just hugged Casari.

Crobin waves to Casari.

Xionara hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Xionara with a warm smile.

Leayne just hugged Lexxa.

Crobin just hugged Nawain.

Casari waves.

Maraisel waves.

Malorna hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Malorna with a warm smile.

Leayne hugs Nawain, who wraps her arms around Leayne with a warm smile.

Crobin hugs Sceth, getting a smile in return.

Malorna hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Malorna with a warm smile.

Leayne smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Malorna left the group.

Sceth hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Sceth with a warm smile.

Leayne hugs Sceth, getting a smile in return.

Sceth hugs Crobin, who wraps his arms around Sceth with a warm smile.

Nawain hugs Leayne, who wraps her arms around Nawain with a warm smile.

Crobin says, "Moving."

Sceth rumbles a deep purr noise at Lexxa, sounding like a large mountain cat.

Leayne nods.

Lexxa giggles.

Sceth grins.

Lexxa waves.

Fearless Crobin saunters west, leading his group.

• Asildu returns home from a hard day of adventuring.