Current Events/Logs/436-02-22-Log of A Mission of Mercy: Part 3

Log of A Mission of Mercy Part 3 October 24, 2020, 9:00 PM

As you cross the Moongate's threshold you are drawn through to the other side...

[The Frozen Heavens, Unfathomable Grotto]

Chunks of obsidian hang in the air, some as large as a Gor'Tog's fist. Exactly centered in the chamber is a translucent obelisk of roughly Human height that leans at an impossible angle.

You also see a lurid blue Moongate with oddly mottled edges, a pile of branches and a large fire.

Also here: Portent Seeker Lenaea who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Divine Knight Briaen who is surrounded by a corona of fiery light, Spectral Dragon Voranos, Siege Destroyer Maekthar, Carnage Darling Dantia who is crowned by a ring of glimmering stars, Tail Chaser Cleyra, Scholar Taliciah, Reverent Ikevindy, Witch Agalea who is covered with whitened ridges, Storm Lord Woten who has a fiery visage, Researcher Eyst, Langen Esturi Nilme and Jycanth.

Obvious exits: west.

Gwerit rae Avtaien Aaoskar came through a lurid blue Moongate with oddly mottled edges.

Lenaea says, "Ah, good. A fire's been started."

Maekthar nods politely to Dantia.

Woten nods to Voranos.

Voranos nods to Woten.

Briaen gets a ruby-eyed cinder beast with glittering black diamond claws from inside his tin case.

Briaen points his cinder beast at a tall silvery altar candle and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the candle quickly catch fire.

Woten gingerly rests both hands on a translucent obelisk and closes his eyes in concentration.

Quentiana clears her throat.

Lenaea raises an eyebrow.

Aaoskar bows to Quentiana.

Dantia curtsies to Quentiana.

Lenaea bows to Quentiana.

Quentiana gives a slight nod.

Aaoskar takes a seat.

Aaoskar bows his head and grows still for a moment.

Voranos leans on his staff.

Aaoskar says, "Thank you, friends, for gathering here today."

Aaoskar says, "Please still yourselves and listen carefully for at this moment danger and death are very near. If you stay alert and take good care no harm should come to you, but please know that every action you take, every thought that lingers in your mind, matters greatly."

Briaen runs his worry beads through his fingers absentmindedly.

Ikevindy fidgets nervously.

Aaoskar says, "We ask that any Bards or Paladins present work to keep the area safe for all through sanctuary or a banner of truce. We will also need fire tenders to keep the flames high and bright."

Cleyra winces.

Aaoskar says, "Before you is an obelisk known well to many of my guild. Those who are not familiar with it may look at it but should NOT interact with it in any other way unless and until they understand the consequences of doing so."

Aaoskar says, "Within this obelisk is an entity, a probabilistic consciousness, that grants power to Moon Mages who listen to its voice and pay its price. In exchange for draining a Moon Mage of their observations of the heavens, the raw materials used for divination, this being grants knowledge of the Read the Ripples spell."

Dantia assumes a meditative stance, concentrating on something.

Aaoskar says, "But, as many mages know, great care must be taken, for the entity is powerful and violent, often killing those who attempt to listen to its voice. However, those who have listened know that the exchange is offered out of desperation. The being is trapped in the obelisk and begs for help."

Aaoskar says, "Specific details of how or why it became stranded here are not certain, but it is apparent that the entity is in pain. It offers up the only thing of value it has in exchange for just a taste of home. Tonight, some have volunteered to give it what it so desperately seeks but will ask for nothing in return. We hope that through this gesture, this offer of mercy, extraplanar entities will see that we do seek peace."

Quentiana breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.

Aaoskar says, "We come here with the hope of atoning for past mistakes. I hope that you will aid us in this effort. I will briefly speak about the details of what we will happen and then we will set to work."

Aaoskar says, "First, we will ask that someone here offer a prayer to Rutilor or Chadatru, gods of truth, to ask that our hearts and our minds will remain pure in our efforts."

Aaoskar says, "Next, we will perform a ritual to ensure draw forth our best selves. This point is important! We have theorized before that the unconscious mind can shape probability. As we will attempt to deal directly with a probabilistic entity, we need to ensure that our intensions are pure. This can be performed by anyone here, but the help of Moon Mages would be especially appreciated."

Aaoskar says, "We will draw three ritual circles with salts purchased from the Temple of Enlightenment, west of Shard. The number of circles is important. We hope that the probabilistic entity will appreciate the mathematical expression of the ritual. Perhaps the use of three, a prime number, found in the number of salts used for each circle, the number of circles, and the number of people leading the drawing of circles, will draw its attention. Thrice times Thrice times Thrice."

Aaoskar says, "But equally important is the order of the circles, and what each represents. The first circle will be of white, pink, and violet salts, representing the recognition of being, reflected by the blanketing snow upon the mountain as it captures a single, perfect sunrise."

Aaoskar says, "The next circle will be of yellow, red, and white salts, representing the connection of all being, reflected by the savant eye, the ruddy moon, and the wisp of smoke that twists ever upward."

Aaoskar says, "The final circle will be of red, orange, and yellow salts, representing the invigoration of being, reflected in the colors of the slow flame, the eternal beacon, that which burns and yet does not exhaust."

Aaoskar says, "Once the circles have been drawn, we will ask the Moon Mages present to listen to the obelisk and offer their prediction pools to it without asking for anything in return."

Taliciah nods to Aaoskar.

Briaen smiles slighty as he mumbles soft prayers quietly to himself.

Aaoskar says, "What we do here tonight is dangerous. I expect that many here will die. I expect that I will die. But if death is the price of peace, I must pay it."

A large fire flutters slightly.

Aaoskar nods.

Aaoskar says, "If everyone is ready, we will begin."

Taliciah leans on Ikevindy.

Dantia nods to Aaoskar.

Taliciah nods to Aaoskar.

Nilme grins at Jycanth.

Aaoskar says, "Lenaea and I had planned to draw the first two circles, but we need a third."

Quentiana says to Aaoskar, "I will assist you with drawing the third circle."

Aaoskar says, "Oh."

Woten bows to Quentiana.

Aaoskar says, "We are humbled. We would greatly appreciate that offer."

Voranos nods to Woten.

Cleyra gestures.

A fierce blue-white glare forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. When it subsides, a blue Moongate stands before you, rippling slightly.

Malykai's group came through a blue Moongate.

Quentiana says, "It would mean much to me. I must atone for my wrongs. Perhaps this will show the Spirits, and my people, that I mean no harm."

Malykai says, "Thank you for the gate."

Dantia smiles at Siendra.

Aaoskar bows to Quentiana.

Taliciah says, "I'm glad you both made it."

A golden flame wavers across the tip of Briaen's altar candle.

Aaoskar says, "Is there someone who could begin tonight's trial with a prayer to Rutilor. We wish to show that our actions are true."

Malykai says to Taliciah, "I'm not all convinced this is the correct course. But its the only one at the moment it seems."

Taliciah nods to Malykai.

Taliciah says to Malykai, "It carries risk."

Malykai nods to Taliciah.

Lenaea studies the faces around her.

Dantia nods in agreement.

Agalea asks Aaoskar something in Ilithic.

Agalea smiles at Aaoskar, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Taliciah says, "If it reduces the suffering of the entity, I feel it is worth the attempt."

Agalea nods to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "Let us take a moment of silence then to Rutilor, then. Let us reflect on what we are about to do. Let us all reflect upon the inner truths within our heart."

Dantia slowly empties her lungs.

Siendra inhales a great swallow of air.

Taliciah slowly empties her lungs.

Woten bows his head in acknowledgement.

(Taliciah bows her head slightly.)

Ikevindy kneels down.

Lenaea gazes upward.

Aaoskar gestures.

Flickering rust-colored radiance erupts from seemingly nowhere, forming a jagged rift in the air. Irikos steps out from within the light, followed by a gust of chill winds. The rift vanishes as swiftly as it appeared.

Irikos gets a silver Rutilor icon framed in blade-shaped filigree from inside his scribe's pack.

Aaoskar bows to Irikos.

Irikos bows to Aaoskar.

Lenaea exclaims, "Ah! a cleric of Rutilor!"

Lenaea beams!

Irikos worriedly says, "I apologize for being late."

Lenaea rubs Irikos gently, massaging his muscles.

Maekthar kneels down.

Irikos clears his throat.

Maekthar prays fervently.

Quentiana smiles.

Aaoskar says, "You bless us with your words of prayer."

Aaoskar bows to Irikos.

Taliciah nods to Irikos.

Irikos faithfully exclaims, "We gather today for an endeavor made in earnest, so we call on Rutilor for Blessing!"

Irikos gently rubs the Rutilor icon, brushing away any dust and grime.

Irikos gently rubs the Rutilor icon, brushing away any dust and grime.

Siendra gazes upward.

Irikos gently blows the dust off his Rutilor icon.

Irikos gently blows the dust off his Rutilor icon.

Irikos holds a silver Rutilor icon framed in blade-shaped filigree high into the air for all to see.

Irikos chants in a tenor voice:

"Rutilor! Defender of the Gods

Judge of Kindness and even-handedness!

Keep a watchful eye on us as we seek

Your guiding wisdom and justice in our endeavors today!"

Woten kneels down.

Aaoskar kneels.

Lenaea kneels down and begins to pray.

Aaoskar continues praying fervently.

Irikos gently rubs the Rutilor icon, brushing away any dust and grime.

Briaen's altar candle burns with a comforting glow.

Ikevindy gazes down at the floor.

Irikos waves a silver Rutilor icon framed in blade-shaped filigree around.

Irikos smiles.

Irikos nods.

Aaoskar bows to Irikos.

Woten slowly empties his lungs.

Irikos coughs.

Woten stands up.

Irikos waves.

Lenaea stands up.

Aaoskar stands up.

Woten nods to Irikos.

Initiate Cleric Irikos goes west.

Ikevindy gets an elm branch from a pile on the ground.

Briaen gazes at his candle.

Ikevindy puts his branch on a large fire.

Woten asks Aaoskar, "Who will make the second set of circles?"

Aaoskar asks, "Is there anyone else who would like to make a token gesture before we begin?"

Lenaea says to Woten, "I will, but I would be happy if you drew them at the same time as me."

Agalea raises her hand.

Woten nods to Lenaea.

Voranos grins.

Aaoskar says, "Agalea. If you would be so kind."

Siendra glances at Agalea.

Eyst glances at Agalea.

Dantia clears her throat.

Voranos leans on his blade.

Woten says to Lenaea, "I will also draw Inner Spark."

Agalea just touched a translucent obelisk.

Dantia nods to Voranos.

Agalea inhales a great swallow of air.

Agalea nods politely to Aaoskar.

Agalea slowly empties her lungs.

Aaoskar bows to Agalea.

Lenaea gets a glass vial with softly colored chambers from inside her warrior's haversack.

Siendra wrinkles her nose.

Quentiana gets a glass vial with softly colored chambers from inside her velvet haversack.

Aaoskar says, "We will begin with the circle of the recognition of being."

Aaoskar says, "If anyone would like to accompany me, please feel free."

Aaoskar gets a glass vial with softly colored chambers from inside his traveler's satchel.

A golden flame wavers across the tip of Briaen's altar candle.

Woten stands near Lenaea.

Aaoskar pours out a small amount of white salt from his vial, creating the beginnings of a white tyura circle.

Ikevindy stands up.

Aaoskar carefully pours out a small amount of pink salt from his vial, deliberately tracing a second pattern over the first, further enhancing the tyura circle.

Malykai gives Siendra a slight nod.

Aaoskar carefully pours out a small amount of violet salt from his vial, deliberately tracing a third pattern over the second, filling in the empty spaces within the tyura circle.

Taliciah inhales a great swallow of air.

Aaoskar carefully pours the remaining salt from his glass vial in a spiraling pattern around the perimeter of the tyura circle, then discards the empty container.

Aaoskar traces the lines of the tyura circle backwards, masterfully erasing the patterns in a specific order.

A faint but noticeable glow diffuses through the tyura circle, the soft colors of salt mixing together to form a vibrant multicolored hue throughout. After a moment the color slowly fades, along with the tyura circle, which vanishes completely.

A subtle tranquil look settles over Aaoskar, as if he feels that everything is right with the world.

Siendra gazes at Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "With this circle, we see and recognize our faults and failings. We acknowledge ourselves for who we truly are. As we know the truth of ourselves, may we now know the truth of you."

Taliciah shivers.

Lenaea nods.

Briaen chuckles to himself.

Ikevindy gets an elm branch from a pile on the ground.

Ikevindy puts his branch on a large fire.

Woten bows to Aaoskar.

Lenaea says, "I will now draw the second circle."

Lenaea pours out a small amount of yellow salt from her vial, creating the beginnings of a yellow tyura circle.

Woten pours out a small amount of yellow salt from his vial, creating the beginnings of a yellow tyura circle.

Cleyra angles an ear toward a large fire slightly, but otherwise ignores it.

A finger of flame leaps up from Briaen's altar candle.

Dantia nods to Voranos.

Lenaea carefully pours out a small amount of red salt from her vial, deliberately tracing a second pattern over the first, further enhancing the tyura circle.

Woten carefully pours out a small amount of red salt from his vial, deliberately tracing a second pattern over the first, further enhancing the tyura circle.

Lenaea carefully pours out a small amount of white salt from her vial, deliberately tracing a third pattern over the second, filling in the empty spaces within the tyura circle.

Woten carefully pours out a small amount of white salt from his vial, deliberately tracing a third pattern over the second, filling in the empty spaces within the tyura circle.

Voranos nods to Dantia.

Woten nods to Lenaea.

Lenaea carefully pours the remaining salt from her glass vial in a spiraling pattern around the perimeter of the tyura circle, then discards the empty container.

Lenaea traces the lines of the tyura circle backwards, masterfully erasing the patterns in a specific order.

A faint but noticeable glow diffuses through the tyura circle, the soft colors of salt mixing together to form a vibrant golden hue throughout. After a moment the color slowly fades, along with the tyura circle, which vanishes completely.

A subtle tranquil look settles over Lenaea, as if she feels that everything is right with the world.

Woten carefully pours the remaining salt from his glass vial in a spiraling pattern around the perimeter of the tyura circle, then discards the empty container.

Woten traces the lines of the tyura circle backwards, masterfully erasing the patterns in a specific order.

A faint but noticeable glow diffuses through the tyura circle, the soft colors of salt mixing together to form a vibrant golden hue throughout. After a moment the color slowly fades, along with the tyura circle, which vanishes completely.

A subtle tranquil look settles over Woten, as if he feels that everything is right with the world.

Briaen runs his worry beads through his fingers absentmindedly.

Lenaea says, "In this circle we see our interconnectedness. We recognize that our thoughts and actions do not affect only ourselves, but all things. May we be mindful in thought and deed so that we avoid causing harm."

Quentiana says, "The last circle is mine."

Quentiana nods.

Woten kneels down.

Aaoskar bows to Quentiana.

Quentiana pours out a small amount of red salt from her vial, creating the beginnings of a red tyura circle.

Aaoskar bows to a translucent obelisk.

Quentiana carefully pours out a small amount of orange salt from her vial, deliberately tracing a second pattern over the first, further enhancing the tyura circle.

Quentiana carefully pours out a small amount of yellow salt from her vial, deliberately tracing a third pattern over the second, filling in the empty spaces within the tyura circle.

Quentiana says, "In this circle we see the inner spark. We see the oneness of the Spirits. We see the eternal beacon, lit within our souls, giving us strength, and guiding us to our perfect self and the perfected union of all beings. May the fire within our souls light the beacon that will guide us on the path to peace."

Quentiana carefully pours the remaining salt from her glass vial in a spiraling pattern around the perimeter of the tyura circle, then discards the empty container.

Quentiana traces the lines of the tyura circle backwards, haphazardly erasing the patterns in a specific order.

A faint but noticeable glow diffuses through the tyura circle, the soft colors of salt mixing together to form a vibrant sunset hue throughout. After a moment the color slowly fades, along with the tyura circle, which vanishes completely.

A subtle tranquil look settles over Quentiana, as if she feels that everything is right with the world.

The obelisk shifts slightly, as though displaced in space, and fractures wind across its surface. A cold wind issues forth, screaming, and for a moment, the darkness feels thicker, oily. You feel a great pressure, and the ritual salt circles begin to smoke.

Siendra breathes in slightly.

Woten nods.

Dantia gnaws on her lip.

Briaen smirks.

Ikevindy takes a seat.

Woten quietly says, "It begins."

Taliciah leans forward.

Twisting with an inky glow, the ritual circles explode into a fine cloud and vanish.

Voranos leans forward.

Agalea smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Dantia stands near Maekthar.

Taliciah leans back.

After some time, the winds cease and the obelisk shifts again, almost as if it has slotted back into its normal location. The darkness feels less viscous, the area once again as it should be.

Cleyra quietly exclaims, "I knew we should have used gaethzen... the fire's got out of hand!"

Dantia slowly empties her lungs.

Lenaea says, "Moon Mages, now is the time."

Aaoskar gulps.

Cleyra angles her ears forward, gazing curiously at Lenaea.

Suddenly, a tickle in the back of your mind, a plea. A desperate being begs for aid, but cowers in the distance, in safety, beneath the watchful gaze of looming monstrosities. You are left with the impression that now is not the time to make noise.

Siendra shivers.

Briaen's altar candle goes out and crumbles away.

Dantia squints.

Silence. There is only silence.

Dantia glances at Lenaea.

Cleyra hiccups.

Briaen runs his worry beads through his fingers absentmindedly.

Woten nods.

Aaoskar says, "Though there is only silence, let us continue to make our selfless offerings."

Lenaea frets.

Siendra blinks.

Woten just touched a translucent obelisk.

* Aaoskar is slain before your eyes!

Aaoskar's eyes roll back in his head as his slumps to the ground, dead.

Dantia blinks.

Woten nods.

Lenaea kneels down.

Taliciah frowns.

Lenaea sighs.

Dantia gnaws on her lip.

Cleyra covers her mouth with her hand.

Eyst fixes Aaoskar with an acute, keen-witted stare.

* Lenaea is slain before your eyes!

Lenaea's head just exploded!

Dantia glances at Lenaea.

Siendra shrieks!

Woten nods.

Quentiana kneels down.

Siendra covers her mouth with her hand.

Dantia places her hand over Siendra's mouth.

Dantia nods to Siendra.

Woten nods to Quentiana.

Quentiana lets out a tormented scream before crumpling bonelessly to the ground. As the screaming fades she pulls herself up to kneel before the obelisk, forehead resting against the translucent surface.

Agalea gingerly rests both hands on a translucent obelisk and closes her eyes in concentration.

Dantia gazes at Quentiana.

Quentiana collapses like an marionette with severed strings.

A milky white fragment coalesces in Quentiana's right hand.

Taliciah gingerly rests both hands on a translucent obelisk and closes her eyes in concentration.

Quentiana wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Cleyra edges away from Quentiana.

Dantia nods to Voranos.

Quentiana rises to a kneeling position.

Woten gingerly rests both hands on a translucent obelisk and closes his eyes in concentration.

Malykai gingerly rests both hands on a translucent obelisk and closes his eyes in concentration.

Quentiana says, "This is not why I have come. I do not wish to take from you, I wish only to ease your pain."

Quentiana drops a milky white fragment.

Dantia observes Quentiana with fascination.

Quentiana stands up.

Woten says, "A gift given is sometimes a gift received."

Quentiana sighs.

Cleyra glances at Taliciah.

Quentiana says, "We must do no more."

Godspeaker Rakkor just arrived.

Dantia just touched Aaoskar.

Quentiana gazes at a milky white fragment.

Malykai just touched a translucent obelisk.

Woten asks Quentiana, "And what is your... prize?"

Ikevindy gets an elm branch from a pile on the ground.

Ikevindy puts his branch on a large fire.

Dantia just touched Aaoskar.

Dantia just touched Lenaea.

Quentiana says, "The Spirits are here, and they see, but we must take care."

The resolute tones of Nilme's music give way to a lighter one as she returns to singing the softer melody that began her song.

Rakkor gestures.

A pale blue nimbus explodes outward, enshrouding Rakkor's body like a ghostly blanket. Slender tendrils of silver vapor slowly arise from the cloud and reach for Rakkor's eyes like long spectral fingers.

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

Rakkor's eyes flare briefly and the blue-white hue intensifies.

Woten nods.

Dantia raises an eyebrow in Quentiana's direction.

Rakkor's eyes flare briefly and the blue-white hue intensifies.

Ikevindy nods to Quentiana.

Siendra gazes at Quentiana.

Rakkor gestures at Aaoskar.

A thin silver nimbus surrounds Aaoskar.

Quentiana says, "The Spirits are everywhere. They see all. They have heard our words and seen our deeds."

Rakkor gestures at Aaoskar.

Aaoskar is outlined by a silvery corona for a moment.

As Rakkor intones a quiet prayer to Chadatru, his hands begin to glow faintly silver. He extends a glowing hand towards the body of Aaoskar.

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

Cleyra studies the faces around her.

Quentiana says, "We have dropped a pebble into still waters. Ripples are only now beginning to form."

Dantia curtsies to Rakkor.

Quentiana appears to be listening intently for something.

Quentiana tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Malykai gets a snowflake obsidian worry stone etched with Coshivi's badger from inside his alabaster coat.

Taliciah gazes at Quentiana.

Quentiana ponders for a moment with her head cocked sideways before a slight smile creeps from the corners of her mouth.

A shimmering mirror of shadows appears momentarily in the air above, briefly revealing Miskton's face.

Malykai glances at Siendra.

Quentiana quietly says, "Change is coming."

Quentiana smiles.

Woten chuckles.

Woten asks, "When is it not?"

Dantia chuckles.

Eyst tugs at the tip of his mustache distractedly.

Agalea nods at Woten, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ikevindy nods at Woten, obviously agreeing with his views.

Quentiana says, "My children, I must go. I must speak of this to my people, if they will hear me."

Woten says, "I must admit, some of the impressions I received here reminded me of when we assaulted Maelshyve."

Woten shakes his head.

Rakkor gestures at Lenaea.

A thin silver nimbus surrounds Lenaea.

Woten says, "Larger beings in the darkness..."

Quentiana gazes at Woten.

Rakkor gestures at Lenaea.

Lenaea is outlined by a silvery corona for a moment.

As Rakkor intones a quiet prayer to Chadatru, his hands begin to glow faintly silver. He extends a glowing hand towards the body of Lenaea.

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

Lenaea smiles.

Woten mutters to himself.

Cleyra quietly says, "Wh...wait... how do I help..."

Lenaea says, "Thank you."

Woten bows to Quentiana.

Rakkor nods.

Quentiana says, "Until we meet again."

Dantia curtsies to Quentiana.

Woten pats Aaoskar on the back.

Cleyra quirks one ear sideways in confusion.

Woten pats Lenaea on the back.

Voranos nods politely to Quentiana.

Nomad Quentiana goes west.

Agalea asks Woten something in Ilithic.

Agalea coughs.

Agalea asks Woten, "Bigger kids playing the the field?"

Woten says, "Mmm... meaner ones, certainly."

Briaen's eerie candlelight is snuffed out.

Aaoskar says, "I pray that Quentiana is right. I hope that this was the pebble that will change what is to come."

Lenaea says, "I am left with even more questions."

Woten laughs at Lenaea.

Taliciah says, "I feel the same."

Woten says, "Good, then it was a normal moon mage meeting."

Jycanth says, "Don't blow your mind twice in one night."

Cleyra quietly asks Taliciah, "Did you give it your knowledge?"

Jycanth chuckles.

Lenaea says, "And my concern for the being in the obelisk."

Malykai chuckles.

Voranos flashes a wide grin at Woten.

Lenaea says, "My concern grows."

Aaoskar says, "Concern grows, but so too does hope."

Woten nods to Aaoskar.

Eyst gestures at a milky white fragment.

Siendra nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Eyst asks, "What of this fragment?"

Taliciah says to Cleyra, "I made an attempt, but... but I'm not sure if it was accepted. Though I felt. Felt the desperation."

Taliciah shivers.

Woten picks up a milky white fragment.

Woten offers Aaoskar a milky white fragment.

Cleyra's ears droop for a moment.

Aaoskar accepts Woten's white fragment.

Cleyra softly says, "I don't know how..."

Woten says, "I can't make any sense of it."

Lenaea says to Eyst, "That was Quentiana's offering."

Dantia quietly says, "I must confess all I saw was the exploding heads..."

Lenaea says to Eyst, "Hers, apparently, was accepted. Ours was not."

Agalea says to Aaoskar, "I doubt that I was any help, however, it was an interesting time."

Taliciah looks at Dantia and sighs.

Taliciah says to Dantia, "Those were hard to miss."

Dantia frowns at Taliciah.

Taliciah nods.

Aaoskar says, "I will put it away for safe keeping. Quentiana did not want it used."

Dantia nods to Taliciah.

Agalea exclaims to Dantia, "Sometimes that is the most interesting part!"

Eyst ponders.

Woten asks Lenaea, "Pardon, but was it her offering or was it what was offered in return?"

Agalea waggles her fingers mystically at Dantia. How nice.

Dantia chuckles at Agalea.

(Taliciah wipes some stray blood from her skirt.)

Dantia asks, "Did others feel or see more?"

Malykai asks, "A vessel for a mutual understanding?"

Briaen says, "Concern should be high, given the circles you've chosen to use in your attempt to contact unknown beings. Those sorts of circles are, after all, Necromantic in nature."

Cleyra blinks.

Woten snorts, loudly.

Jycanth blinks.

Agalea says, "They are."

Agalea shrugs.

Woten says, "The Tyura circles are anything but."

Taliciah glances at Briaen.

Lenaea says to Briaen, "You are mistaken. They are a tradition of my people."

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Aaoskar says, "All things can be used for good or ill purposes."

Malykai scoffs.

Briaen says, "Continue to flirt with things you don't understand and death will continue to find you."

Voranos nods to Dantia.

Agalea says, "It all depends on the pattern of colors that you use."

Taliciah says to Briaen, "There is more than death at stake."

Agalea says, "Its all about the symbolism."

Malykai says, "Quite a lot more."

Aaoskar says, "Some things are worse than death."

Taliciah says to Briaen, "Death is only one possibility."

Lenaea nods at Aaoskar, obviously agreeing with his views.

Woten asks, "Who among us has not tasted death?"

Eyst says, "The nomad created a circle as well."

Dantia clears her throat.

Agalea asks, "Who has seen the void?"

Agalea raises an eyebrow.

Briaen raises his hand.

Taliciah nods to Woten.

Agalea exclaims to Briaen, "Not the one between your ears my friend!"

Agalea sticks her tongue out at Briaen.

Nefis casually observes the area.

Lenaea says, "I have seen it."

Lenaea nods to Agalea.

Briaen sighs.

Lenaea says to Agalea, "I have seen the void in the Planar Observatory."

Siendra stands near Malykai.

Agalea says to Lenaea, "Oh I am so jealous of you and that Observatory."

Taliciah says to Briaen, "You have seen much of death, and of what comes after death. You may be wiser than I. You may be jaded."

Agalea leans on Lenaea.

Nefis just touched a translucent obelisk.

Voranos says, "I'd venture to guess several amongst us have been to multiple planes beyond the Abiding."

Briaen runs his worry beads through his fingers absentmindedly.

Divine Knight Briaen goes west.

Woten says to Lenaea, "I am... concerned about the possibilty that whatever this entity is is both trapped and hiding here. Everyone who assaulted the Pith saw the beings that waited beyond the sky."

Woten says, "The eyes in the dark."

Lenaea frowns.

Siendra gently kisses Malykai on the cheek.

Woten shudders.

Taliciah shudders.

Aaoskar says, "I am still uncertain as to how I will internalize all of this. As always, many things to consider."

Agalea exclaims to Woten, "Oh there are many!"

Agalea exclaims to Woten, "So many eyes!"

Woten shivers.

Lenaea says to Woten, "I had thought these concepts were not connected but now you've given me cause to doubt that belief."

Agalea grins at Woten, her dimples flashing into view.

Woten grins at Agalea.

(Nefis pushes the seordstone talon up against the surface of the obelisk.)

Woten says to Agalea, "Some know better than others."

Lenaea says to Woten, "This deserves much more research."

Taliciah glances at Nefis.

Lenaea says, "Nefis.... take care."

Siendra narrows her eyes.

Lenaea says, "What is he....."

Lenaea gazes at Aaoskar.

Eyst says to Aaoskar, "It appeared successful to me. Though the sensations during it, quite puzzling."

Aaoskar says, "Be careful, Nefis. Tonight was promising, but it could still be dangerous."

Lenaea shrugs.

Woten says to Lenaea, "Perhaps they are not. But I'd rather plan for the worst."

Agalea asks Nefis, "Notice anything?"

Nefis shrugs.

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Nefis shakes his head.

Nefis says, "Glimmers of thoughts only."

Agalea says to Nefis, "It feels like everything before and nothing at all."

Nefis offers Aaoskar a tiny pale seordstone talon.

Aaoskar accepts Nefis's seordstone talon.

Aaoskar examines a tiny pale seordstone talon.

Agalea exclaims, "Which to be honest, is like everything else!"

Nefis says to Aaoskar, "Remnants of a previous encounter with your "spirits."

Voranos just touched a translucent obelisk.

Agalea says to Aaoskar, "Thank you for having me."

Agalea exclaims to Lenaea, "It is always a pleasure!"

Agalea hugs Lenaea, who wraps her arms around Agalea with a warm smile.

Lenaea just hugged Agalea.

Aaoskar says, "Oh. It is something of which I must ponder."

Rakkor grins.

Agalea nods politely to Malykai.

Aaoskar bows to Agalea.

Malykai says, "Agalea."

Woten says to Lenaea, "If you are interested I'm considering making a return trip into what's left of Maelshyve to refresh my memory."

Malykai nods.

Aaoskar says, "Thank you for your help Aalea."

Lenaea says, "I have a gate back to Leth if anyone needs, and Aaoskar has one to Crossing."

Eyst asks, "Is that fragment unique? Did any of you recieve such a thing in your original dealings with the entity?"

Aaoskar's eyes go distant as he quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.

Agalea says, "I didn't do much."

Woten says to Aaoskar, "Same to you, and anyone else."

Lenaea says to Woten, "We should do this."

Lenaea nods.

Dantia gnaws on her lip.

Woten nods.

An electric light shines around Nilme, pulsing and crackling in time with her song.

Agalea says, "Just put some blood on an obelisk."

Agalea giggles.

Taliciah says to Aaoskar, "What I can say is that whatever is trapped... it is horrible."

Woten says, "After some time for though."

Lenaea says to Eyst, "Yes, each of us has, when first visiting the Obelisk."

Jycanth asks Aaoskar, "I'll take you up on the gate to Crossing once everyone else is gone?"

Muttering a foul-sounding phrase, Nefis slowly waves his hand in an arc through the air. A faint trail of sickly umber energy streams out from the sigil on the back of the gauntlet, leaving a short wavering tail like a comet behind it.

Jycanth smiles at Aaoskar.

Nilme smiles at Aaoskar.

Malykai says, "It too much more than blood the first time."

Eyst says, "Ah, I see."

Voranos asks, "Why do you think it's horrible?"

Malykai says, "Took."

Malykai coughs.

Taliciah looks thoughtfully at Voranos.

Agalea asks Malykai, "What is the difference between what you Moon Mages give it and mortal blood?"

Woten says, "Time to get very drunk and try to drown some bad memories. Be well everyone."

Agalea raises an eyebrow in Malykai's direction.

Woten bows to Aaoskar.

Woten bows to Lenaea.

Aaoskar says, "The fragment will need safe keeping, though. She made an offering without ever receiving anything in return. Hopefully, that means something."

Lenaea grins at Woten.

Woten stands up.

Woten raises his hand in a quick salute.

Cleyra says to Aaoskar, "I don't understand how..."

Storm Lord Woten strides west.

Dantia ponders.

Taliciah says to Voranos, "I don't know if I can say. The power. The desperation."

Malykai asks Agalea, "A piece of your mind? A part of your fate you can't get back?"

Voranos asks, "Has it not bestowed knowledge to the moon mage guild on how to more efficiently study the celestial bodies?"

Lenaea nods to Voranos.

Lenaea says, "It has."

Dantia nods to Voranos.

Agalea asks Malykai, "So you are giving what you might be? Or something that you were before to it?"

Aaoskar says, "It definitely has given us more knowledge. Our only concern was how that knowledge has been received."

Malykai says to Agalea, "Knowledge comes with a price, as you know more than most."

Lenaea says, "Moongate for any who need."

Taliciah nods to Malykai.

Agalea says, "Not that different than the blood."

Cleyra flicks her ears back in obvious annoyance.

Agalea says to Malykai, "I would pay the price over and over, a hundred fold."

Agalea winks at Malykai.

Siendra snorts, loudly.

Malykai gazes sadly at Agalea.

Voranos says to Taliciah, "Power doesn't make one horrible. How it uses it...can."

Aaoskar says, "I hear that this sanctuary will not be around much longer. Perhaps, we should move to safer ground. This place is not safe even under normal circumstances."

Lenaea says, "We should leave this place. It seeks silence."

Taliciah says to Voranos, "That's not even it."

Lenaea nods.

Aaoskar gestures.

A swirling vortex of shadows draws itself from the ground and coalesces into an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges, which yawns open like a hungry maw.

Jycanth smiles.

Malykai nods.

Gwerit rae Avtaien Aaoskar went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Agalea says, "Silence it shall have."

Eyst says, "I should be going anyways."

Taliciah says to Voranos, "I'm not even sure that it is itself horrible."

Taliciah nods.

Lenaea says, "Let us depart for now and we will gather again to discuss our observations."

Lenaea nods.

Taliciah nods.

Malykai's group went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Dantia nods to Lenaea.

Jycanth smiles.

Jycanth draws out each note of his enchante with a gentle dexterity, coaxing full-bodied tones from each note to further embellish the dark harmonies already plentiful throughout it.

Godspeaker Rakkor goes west.

With a friendly smile, Taliciah holds Ikevindy's hand.

Portent Seeker Lenaea went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Voranos leans on Ikevindy.

Researcher Eyst plods west.

Jycanth says, "Thanks for having us."

You notice Lenaea peering through the other side of the black Moongate.

Jycanth smiles.

The music takes hold, manifesting as a dome of faintly shimmering light.

With a sly smile, Malykai murmurs a tenebrous phrase.

Carnage Darling Dantia went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Scholar Taliciah's group went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Nilme smiles.

Jycanth waves.

Siege Destroyer Maekthar's group went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Tail Chaser Cleyra went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Jycanth's group went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

Malykai's group went through an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges.

As you cross the Moongate's threshold you are drawn through to the other side...

The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum. The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name. A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside.

You also see a small red and gold dragon with vibrant scales that is flying around, a pool of black shadows, an abyssal black Moongate with eerie rippling edges, a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment.

Also here: Frost Fang Siendra, Malykai, Langen Esturi Nilme, Jycanth, Tail Chaser Cleyra, Spectral Dragon Voranos who has a stony visage, Siege Destroyer Maekthar, Reverent Ikevindy, Scholar Taliciah, Carnage Darling Dantia who is crowned by a ring of glimmering stars, Portent Seeker Lenaea, Gwerit rae Avtaien Aaoskar and Mitrim.

Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest.