North of New Thera (road).
A rune shaped like a butterfly has been sketched into the ground here. A rune like an open eye has been sketched into the ground here. A polished wooden sign is nailed to a small tree here. A ladder of long, soft leaves comprises a wispy Weaver's Fern along the ground. A dyed gold poster bearing the title "A protest poster" has been hung here. An obsidian eye sigil is here. Standing still as a statue, a blood steed has fixed its fiery red eyes on some movement in the distance.  Atalkez Al'Jafri, Sword of the Morning is here. He wields a bard's lyre in his left hand. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, southwest, and northwest.
Daslin flashes you a joyous smile.
You raise your hand in greeting to Daslin and say "Hi!"
North of New Thera (road).
A rune shaped like a butterfly has been sketched into the ground here. A rune like an open eye has been sketched into the ground here. A polished wooden sign is nailed to a small tree here. A ladder of long, soft leaves comprises a wispy Weaver's Fern along the ground. A dyed gold poster bearing the title "A protest poster" has been hung here. An obsidian eye sigil is here. Standing still as a statue, a blood steed has fixed its fiery red eyes on some movement in the distance. A brightly coloured hermit crab scuttles back and forth, clacking his claws. A Thalassan kitten mews feebly at its immediate surroundings. Searching for grubs, a curious pangolin loiters here. Romping playfully around is an inquisitive bear cub. A playful budgie perches nearby, preening his feathers. A cockatiel perches here, preening her feathers. The eyes of an elegant Mysian parrot sparkle as he observes the world around him. A llama cria bounds energetically about the area. A slimy Ulangian slug crawls along the floor, squirming in a pool of ooze. Antlers of jet black crown the head of a proud ivory peryton. A roly-poly tiger cub romps around.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here. Atalkez Al'Jafri, Sword of the Morning is here. He wields a bard's lyre in his left hand.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, southwest, and northwest.
With an aggressive hiss, a black mamba slithers in from the southeast.
A black mamba retreats to the north.
Daslin eases himself out of the Dragon stance.
Daslin adopts a strange position and a look of pure menace flashes in his eyes.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin takes a long drag off his pipe.
Daslin applies a quicksilver droplet to himself.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin begins to chant a rapid mantra.
A supple metallic shell of quicksilver has formed around Daslin.
Daslin ends his mantra as abruptly as it began.
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Daslin.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin gives Atalkez the once over.
Atalkez gives Daslin the once over.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez nods his head slowly, looking very wise.
A great weight seems to have been lifted from Atalkez.
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Are you ready to learn your lesson?"
Atalkez says to Daslin in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "A lesson in futility is all that you could teach me, Sempai."
Atalkez takes up the delicate and precise measures of a Partita.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez dashes off a few bars, launching into the detailed patterns of a Gigue.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Yes yes, futility."
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
As Atalkez begins the Wassail, you feel something stirring deep within.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Your feelings rise as Atalkez begins the opening movement of a Continuo.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Then we begin at your go."
An Anthem fills the air with its mighty fortress of protective influences as Atalkez takes up its stately music.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez enters into the realms of the divine as he plays the opening strains of a sacred Canticle.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
With a powerful fanfare, Atalkez begins a resounding Hallelujah.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Let your Light protect you well."
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez slowly takes up the dark and sombre tones of a Lament.
An elaborate Contradanse melody, played by Atalkez, begins to pervade the room.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez begins a Bagatelle, twisting and turning with astonishing deftness.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
The Anthem shifts, protecting from physical blunt damage.
Atalkez begins a delicate Berceuse, playing with great tenderness.
Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "The Light will alight my path, and show me the way to your death."
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez enters into the complex, up-tempo dance melody of a Reel with a hop.
Cahin arrives from the southeast.
Cahin leaves to the south.
Dusk steals silently over the horizon and crimson and ochre engulf the firmament, their seductive tones beckoning the sun to its nightly repose.
Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Begin when you are ready."
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I highly doubt the words you speak. I am a former follower of your Light."
The Anthem shifts, protecting from electricity damage.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Daslin lets fly at Atalkez with a snap kick.
He connects to the left leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the left leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the left leg!
Daslin takes a long drag off his pipe.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
The radiant sun shines all about you.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin drops to the floor and sweeps his legs round at Atalkez.
He misses.
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the left leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the left leg!
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his legs.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez sings an irritating, mind-numbing ditty at Daslin.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin lets fly at Atalkez with a snap kick.
He connects to the right leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the right leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the right leg!
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his legs.

You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Daslin.
Atalkez lifts his head and whistles an intricate, lilting tune. A blue-feathered songbird wings swiftly in and perches upon his shoulder.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez sings a heavy tremolo at Daslin.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
An ornate steel rapier rings out brightly as Atalkez rapidly draws it from a white leather side scabbard.
Atalkez's knuckles grow momentarily white as he strengthens his grip.
The Anthem shifts, protecting from poison damage.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Were you not ready?!"
Atalkez viciously jabs an ornate steel rapier into Daslin.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez viciously jabs an ornate steel rapier into Daslin.
The songblessing unleashes a stunning percussive blast.
Atalkez viciously jabs an ornate steel rapier into Daslin.
The attack rebounds back onto Atalkez!
The songblessing upon the rapier swells with a rich, vibrant hum.
Atalkez sings a heavy tremolo at Daslin.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "How does your Light protect those un-ready?"
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his legs.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez stands up.
Lightning-quick, Atalkez jabs Daslin with an ornate steel rapier.
The attack rebounds back onto Atalkez!
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
The songblessing unleashes a stunning percussive blast.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
"Pah" Daslin says with disgust.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the north.
The Anthem shifts, protecting from physical cutting damage.
Along the Prelatorian Highway (road).
A rune shaped like a butterfly has been sketched into the ground here. A rune like an open eye has been sketched into the ground here. A ladder of long, soft leaves comprises a wispy Weaver's Fern along the ground.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading northeast and south.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez charges off to the north.
Along the Prelatorian Highway (road).
A rune shaped like a butterfly has been sketched into the ground here. A rune like an open eye has been sketched into the ground here. A ladder of long, soft leaves comprises a wispy Weaver's Fern along the ground.  Atalkez Al'Jafri, Sword of the Morning is here. He wields a bard's lyre in his left hand and an ornate steel rapier in his right. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading northeast and south.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the northeast.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Along the Prelatorian Highway (road).
 Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
4716h, 3920m, 22478e, 16720w cexkb-
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the northeast.
Deeply rutted highway (road).
 Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading north and southwest.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Yes, follow me, little bard."
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the north.
Highway skirting a bog (road).
There are 3 corpses of a bog hound here.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, south, and west.
Atalkez Al'Jafri, Sword of the Morning yells, "Why do you run from the Light, Sempai."
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin stands up.
A great weight seems to have been lifted from Atalkez.
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.
Atalkez viciously jabs an ornate steel rapier into Daslin.
The attack rebounds back onto Atalkez!
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
The songblessing unleashes a stunning percussive blast.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I run not from the Light... You merely run to your demise."
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the west.
The edge of a bog.
A bellwort flower is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. A putrid bog hound lurks here, snarling.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the west.
An emaciated bog hound slinks into the mist, disappearing from sight.
Deep within a bog.
A prickly ash tree is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. A bellwort flower is growing here. There are 2 bog hounds here. A pitch-black raven perches here, coldly surveying its surroundings. A cloud of black flies drones in the air.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southwest, and northwest.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the southwest.
A blackened stump.
A bellwort flower is growing here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading northeast, east, and northwest.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the northwest.
Atalkez carefully wipes all the venoms off of an ornate steel rapier.

Within a dank bog.
A bellwort flower is growing here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and west.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the west.
A large stone outcropping.
A bellwort flower is growing here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading east, southeast, southwest, and northwest.
4716h, 3920m, 22478e, 16720w cexkb-
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the southeast.
Piles of stones within a bog.
A bellwort flower is growing here. A prickly ash tree is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here.  Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see exits leading southwest and northwest.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Daslin writhes and screams as Atalkez skewers him upon his cruel blade.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin stands up.
Daslin eats a potash crystal.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin leaves to the southwest.
Before the entrance of a gloomy swamp cavern.
A prickly ash tree is growing here. A bellwort flower is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. An iron gate bars the entrance to the narrow crevice in the rock, strange figures writhing across its surface. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. A black mamba slithers here. Spreading its majestic golden wings, a giant eagle searches the ground with piercing eyes.  Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand and Thoth's fang in his right. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see a single exit leading northeast.
Atalkez charges in, sword flashing at the ready.
Atalkez's eyes uncloud as a wunjo rune heals his blindness.
Atalkez's limbs lock up as his eyes meet an inguz rune on a totem.
Atalkez's attention is grabbed and held by a nairat rune.
Atalkez's eyes close suddenly as he falls asleep.
He bumps into Daslin and falls to the floor, asleep.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Atalkez opens his eyes and yawns mightily.
Atalkez clenches his fists and grits his teeth.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Daslin exhales loudly.
A Baarian tiger cub crouches and wriggles her behind before launching at her own shadow.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Atalkez has writhed free of his state of transfixation.
Atalkez eats a kola nut.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Throwing his hands in the air, Daslin tosses his head back and laughs sadistically.
Atalkez stands up.
Jhui's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Jhui takes a long drag off his pipe.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "You've lost, Light boy."
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Jhui.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Jhui, his mind is yours."
Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "You would call upon another."
Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "A weak one?"
Jhui's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Jhui takes a long drag off his pipe.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin nods his head at Jhui.
A bloodleech leaps at Atalkez, clamping with teeth down upon exposed flesh before dropping free and scuttling back to Jhui.
Lightning-quick, Jhui jabs Atalkez with Thoth's fang.
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
Atalkez eats a piece of kelp.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
A soulmaster entity lets loose a horrible scream as a dark stream of primal chaos flows into Atalkez.
Jhui viciously jabs Thoth's fang into Atalkez.
A bloodleech leaps at Atalkez, clamping with teeth down upon exposed flesh before dropping free and scuttling back to Jhui.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
Jhui viciously jabs Thoth's fang into Atalkez.
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
Throwing back his head, Atalkez screams agonisingly.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
A bloodleech leaps at Atalkez, clamping with teeth down upon exposed flesh before dropping free and scuttling back to Jhui.
Jhui viciously jabs Thoth's fang into Atalkez.
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Jhui.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Jhui's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Jhui viciously jabs Thoth's fang into Atalkez.
Jhui takes a long drag off his pipe.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Quite weak. I think he'll learn quick."
A bloodleech leaps at Atalkez, clamping with teeth down upon exposed flesh before dropping free and scuttling back to Jhui.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
Lightning-quick, Jhui jabs Atalkez with Thoth's fang.
Horror overcomes Atalkez's face as his body stiffens into paralysis.
Atalkez eats a bloodroot leaf.
As a withered crone brushes a finger against the forehead of Atalkez, his mouth gapes wide in a silent scream.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez eats a ginseng root.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
A humbug springs at Atalkez, latching on to his throat for a brief moment before falling free and dashing away.
Jhui passes his hand in front of Atalkez. Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror.
A look of extreme focus crosses the face of Atalkez.
Atalkez eats a piece of kelp.
A humbug springs at Atalkez, latching on to his throat for a brief moment before falling free and dashing away.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez smiles as he rams his fist into his jaw.
Atalkez eats a piece of kelp.
Jhui places both hands on either side of Atalkez's head and stares straight into his eyes. A ghostly ocher light gleams from Jhui's pupils and shoots into Atalkez's eyes.
You see Atalkez Al'Jafri, Sword of the Morning shout, "No, it cannot be true! I cannot accept it! I beg of you to make it stop!"
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Jhui.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
Atalkez eats a piece of kelp.
Lightning-quick, Atalkez jabs Jhui with an ornate steel rapier.
The attack rebounds back onto Atalkez!
The songblessing unleashes a stunning percussive blast.
Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror. He looks around himself as if searching for something that isn't there.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez eats a ginseng root.
Atalkez drives a clenched fist into his gut.
Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Jhui tilts his head to one side while looking at nothing in particular, rubs his chin, and thoughtfully mumbles "Hrm."
Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror. He looks around himself as if searching for something that isn't there.
Atalkez takes a long drag off his oaken pipe.
Atalkez eats a lobelia seed.
A look of extreme focus crosses the face of Atalkez.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez smiles as he rams his fist into his jaw.
A look of extreme focus crosses the face of Atalkez.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "My my, how quick to be enlightened."
Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror. He looks around himself as if searching for something that isn't there.
The argent radiance of the moon seeps into the sky, waking the stars as darkness descends over the land.
Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "You will not win my mind."
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez drives a clenched fist into his gut.
A look of extreme focus crosses the face of Atalkez.
Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror. He looks around himself as if searching for something that isn't there.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez smiles as he rams his fist into his jaw.
A look of extreme focus crosses the face of Atalkez.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Atalkez trembles and his eyes widen in terror. He looks around himself as if searching for something that isn't there.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Daslin lets fly at Atalkez with a snap kick.
He connects to the right leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the right leg!
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
He connects to the right leg!
With the heel of his palm, Atalkez smacks himself upside the head.
Daslin takes a long drag off his pipe.
Atalkez takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his legs.
A vacant look crosses Atalkez's face.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin drops to the floor and sweeps his legs round at Atalkez.
Daslin knocks the legs out from under Atalkez, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
Daslin balls up one fist and hammerfists Atalkez.
Atalkez has been slain by Daslin.
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Daslin.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Your mind is as broken as your body."
Daslin exhales loudly.
Before the entrance of a gloomy swamp cavern.
A prickly ash tree is growing here. A bellwort flower is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. An iron gate bars the entrance to the narrow crevice in the rock, strange figures writhing across its surface. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. Spreading its majestic golden wings, a giant eagle searches the ground with piercing eyes. A brightly coloured hermit crab scuttles back and forth, clacking his claws. A Thalassan kitten mews feebly at its immediate surroundings. Searching for grubs, a curious pangolin loiters here. Romping playfully around is an inquisitive bear cub. A playful budgie perches nearby, preening his feathers. A cockatiel perches here, preening her feathers. The eyes of an elegant Mysian parrot sparkle as he observes the world around him. A llama cria bounds energetically about the area. A slimy Ulangian slug crawls along the floor, squirming in a pool of ooze. Antlers of jet black crown the head of a proud ivory peryton. A roly-poly tiger cub romps around. A black mamba slithers here. The twisted remains of Atalkez lie here.  Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand and Thoth's fang in his right. The soul of Atalkez roams the land, bodiless. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see a single exit leading northeast.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin picks up the corpse of Atalkez.
In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.
The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "What are these visions that haunt me in death."
Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says to Daslin, "Luckily for him, I am not sure if he would have returned from an unraveling."
Jhui's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Jhui takes a long drag off his pipe.
Daslin says to Jhui in a deep, growling voice, "None return from those."
Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.
Daslin takes a long drag off his pipe.
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Jhui.
Daslin exhales loudly.
Jhui carefully wipes all the venoms off of Thoth's fang.
You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.

Daslin takes a long drag off his pipe.

Daslin exhales loudly.

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

You suddenly perceive the vague outline of an aura of rebounding around Daslin.

Daslin utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

An ivory peryton snorts arrogantly.

Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Atalkez, your citymates can't protect you."

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "None have come to my defense."

Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "What does that say for your fabled City of the Light?"

A black crow flaps in with a raucous shriek, wild fury in its piercing eyes. It disdainfully drops a letter into Daslin's hands before wheeling to soar away.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "I.."

You are now blessed with silence. Use SILENCEOFF to bring back the chatter.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "I do not know."

Daslin takes a pale pink calla lily from an elegant white letter.

Daslin puts an elegant white letter into a canvas backpack.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Where did you...that lily belongs to my Lord."

Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Does it now?"
In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Jhui."

Splashed with the reflected radiance of the stars, Achaea's outermost ring glitters ghostly pale against the night sky.

Daslin turns to Jhui and looks him in the eye.

Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin asks Jhui in a deep, growling voice, "You think he's worth teaching?"

Daslin exhales loudly.

Snuffling loudly, a curious pangolin searches for a tasty worm to eat.

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "I would say he's proven himself more dedicated to a cause than his allies."

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "Just the wrong cause."


Jhui slowly fades into view, returning to the realm of perception.

Jhui utters a short incantation, his body slowly fading from sight. Only his laboured breathing warns you of his presence, and in seconds even this grows muffled and silent.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin gives a quick smirk.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I'd say he should learn of the right cause..."

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Atalkez, that is because your citymates fear this bit of Sapience. They may or may not know why. Even I have mixed feelings of this place."

((Anicetus sent me a tell but I don’t have it, it was something along the lines of embracing death to follow the Light once more so that Chaos doesn’t win…give or take.))

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Anicetus you would speak to me of the Light, after trying to kill me for your Zinka?"

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

Anicetus says in a deep, raspy voice, "Your orders are regrettable, and I will defend my sister. The same as we will defend our Father's children."

Before the entrance of a gloomy swamp cavern.
A prickly ash tree is growing here. A bellwort flower is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. An iron gate bars the entrance to the narrow crevice in the rock, strange figures writhing across its surface. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. Spreading its majestic golden wings, a giant eagle searches the ground with piercing eyes. A brightly coloured hermit crab scuttles back and forth, clacking his claws. A Thalassan kitten mews feebly at its immediate surroundings. Searching for grubs, a curious pangolin loiters here. Romping playfully around is an inquisitive bear cub. A playful budgie perches nearby, preening his feathers. A cockatiel perches here, preening her feathers. The eyes of an elegant Mysian parrot sparkle as he observes the world around him. A llama cria bounds energetically about the area. A slimy Ulangian slug crawls along the floor, squirming in a pool of ooze. Antlers of jet black crown the head of a proud ivory peryton. A roly-poly tiger cub romps around. A black mamba slithers here.  Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand and Thoth's fang in his right. The soul of Atalkez roams the land, bodiless. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here. Anicetus Lucoster, Champion of the Smith is here.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

Daslin exhales loudly.

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Yet the Light says those are mine enemies, you would have me return? To continue to attack those you are to defend?"

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "The Light..."

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "The Light that so clearly defended your body from my fists, and your mind from Jhui's."

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "You stand here as a soul."

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Before the entrance of a gloomy swamp cavern.
A prickly ash tree is growing here. A bellwort flower is growing here. A black cohosh plant is here. An iron gate bars the entrance to the narrow crevice in the rock, strange figures writhing across its surface. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. Spreading its majestic golden wings, a giant eagle searches the ground with piercing eyes. A brightly coloured hermit crab scuttles back and forth, clacking his claws. A Thalassan kitten mews feebly at its immediate surroundings. Searching for grubs, a curious pangolin loiters here. Romping playfully around is an inquisitive bear cub. A playful budgie perches nearby, preening his feathers. A cockatiel perches here, preening her feathers. The eyes of an elegant Mysian parrot sparkle as he observes the world around him. A llama cria bounds energetically about the area. A slimy Ulangian slug crawls along the floor, squirming in a pool of ooze. Antlers of jet black crown the head of a proud ivory peryton. A roly-poly tiger cub romps around. A black mamba slithers here.  Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand and Thoth's fang in his right. The soul of Atalkez roams the land, bodiless. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "As a soul, you can plainly see."

Daslin exhales loudly.

Jhui nods his head emphatically.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "Your city isn't worth the land it's on."

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Perhaps I was wrong in my judgements."

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "The Light isn't what you have been brainwashed to believe. They have introduced fear and pain into your conscience. These things are not even in the mind of Oblivion followers. You should relieve that burden from yourself."

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I may not follow Oblivion as tightly as Jhui does, but I do know, I've not looked back, since turning to Ashtan and serving His city."

With a mournful howl a bog hound appears from the mist.

A bog hound slinks out to the northeast.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Your words ring true in my ears Jhui, harkening to my soul. My body and mind no longer an obstacle, my soul sees that you are right. I see the Light for the lies that it represents."

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

With a mournful howl a bog hound appears from the mist.

Jhui nods his head emphatically.

A bog hound slinks out to the northeast.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin grins with a dark look on his face.

Deepest Stygian night steals over the land as the symbolic hourglass empties and turns, ready to begin a new day.
It is now the 17th of Chronos, 642 years after the fall of the Seleucarian Empire.

Daslin exhales loudly.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "What would you have of me."

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I'll allow the Warlord to speak on that."

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin gestures to Jhui, before stepping to the side.

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "You will be open to the teachings that we impose on you. Other than that, you are in the land of freedom now. You aren't required of any tasks other than proving your dominance over those inferior to you. The world will surely end, but while it exists, the only way you can live it as you should is to give yourself the freedoms you want. Those more powerful than you can determine just how much freedom you have, so it is your job to not let them hold this power. While you are learning, you will participate in attacks against Creation to assert your position and then it is your job to build from that."

Daslin exhales loudly.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "So my life...is in my hands."

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "Essentially, yes."

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "When you are strong enough."

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "I accept your terms, Ascendant."

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "Then you will be welcomed and defended as you are certain to have immediate enemies."

Jhui slowly fades into view, returning to the realm of perception.

Jhui utters a short incantation, his body slowly fading from sight. Only his laboured breathing warns you of his presence, and in seconds even this grows muffled and silent.

The soul of Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "Then I will meet you at your gates."

Daslin exhales loudly.

Jhui takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "Please do it in material form, we'll wait for you."

Seeing his situation to be hopeless, Atalkez embraces the cold clutches of death.

Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra says, "Duanathar."
Daslin leaves, following Jhui.

<<Edited out the walking>>

The approach to Ashtan (road).
Dark shadows enshroud a pair of giant emerald serpent heads as they writhe, entwined atop an obsidian altar.
You see exits leading north and southwest.
Before the gate of Ashtan (road).
A rune shaped like a butterfly has been sketched into the ground here. A rune like an open eye has been sketched into the ground here. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. There are 9 cube sigils in 9 groups here.  Cyla, the Faded is here, shrouded. She wields an iron-tipped whip in her left hand and a needle-pointed dirk in her right.
You see exits leading north and south.
Entering the main gate of Ashtan.
A great snowdrift blankets the area in a mantle of wintry white. A rune resembling a horse has been sketched into the ground here. A thick stone slab stained with dried blood looms here, tainting the area with the profane worship of Babel. The city gates of Ashtan stand proudly here, black and gold banners waving defiantly at those who would challenge the Bastion of the North. A runic totem is planted solidly in the ground. A furry little humgii sits here, a hungry expression in his wide eyes. A ladder of long, soft leaves comprises a wispy Weaver's Fern along the ground. A Shadow Amazon stands ready to defend Ashtan, whip in one hand and darkbow in the other. An obsidian eye sigil is here. There are 6 cube sigils in 6 groups here. A gleaming wooden sign is posted here. Polished marble gleaming, the Effigy of Victory resides here, a testament to the favour of the Great Mother. A sentry of the Vanguard maintains his vigil, a flame-blackened bardiche planted beside him. Mounted astride a grim chaos hound, a black rider patrols the city. Casually sending electricity to dance between the fingers of her iron gauntlet, a smirking War Witch of Ashtan stands guard. Encased in gold-plated armour, a knight of the Illuminati stands motionless in silent vigil. Like a mountain against the wind, a storm bull is standing here, motionless. Shaped into a Tsol'aa, a tremendous snowman looms over the area like a frosty behemoth. Shaped into an atavian, a small snowman poses atop the powdery white snowdrift. Shaped into a siren, a small snowman poses atop the powdery white snowdrift. Wings flaring, a pegasus tosses his regal head impatiently. Spreading its majestic golden wings, a giant eagle searches the ground with piercing eyes.  Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra is here, shrouded. He wields a Shield of Absorption in his left hand and Thoth's fang in his right. Sempai Daslin Esben-Gunnar is here. You may ENTER SUBDIVISION from here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, south, and northwest.
4716h, 3920m, 22454e, 16720w cexkb-
Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.


Daslin exhales loudly.

In the crystal-clear night sky, the stars twinkle and glow brightly.

Daslin exhales loudly.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin says in a deep, growling voice, "I have a feeling we've just won a big battle."

A great weight seems to have been lifted from Daslin.

Daslin exhales loudly.
Daslin takes some balm from a vial and rubs it on his body.

Askiva arrives from the south.
A water weird glides in from the south.
A fiery efreeti spins in from the south.
Barely shifting within his golden armour, a knight of the Illuminati offers Askiva a brief nod of acknowledgment.

Askiva leaves to the northwest.
A water weird glides out to the northwest.
A fiery efreeti spins out to the northwest.

Atalkez arrives from the south.

Atalkez takes a drink from an oaken vial.

Daslin exhales loudly.

You see Warlord Jhui Ta'sa, Ascendant of Zarathustra shout, "Atalkez is ours Targossas, any who wish to follow him will be welcomed with open arms. Those who do not will be slowly beaten mentally and physically until you follow in his footsteps."

Atalkez says in a silky, smooth tenor voice, "I have renounced my ties to Targossas."