Cosmic Pendulum 9.2.2019

LOG of 09.02.2019 Cosmic Pendulum
[Middens, Crossbow Bend]
Before you stands the Observatory of the Southern Crossbow. It is a three-story edifice, its sixteen-sided walls capped with a crystal dome. The top floor is also the nerve center of the Moon Mages' Guild, a most powerful and revered arcane circle throughout Elanthia. All in all a rather quirky structure, it manages to inspire awe and curiosity at the same time. A carved ivory door leads inside.
You also see a stone seat, an ivory urn, an ornate silver gateway and a dilapidated tea cart with a couple of things on it.
Also here: Apprentice Barbarian Lighter, Vice-Speaker Ozzimandius, Relic of the Grove Xixist, Archmage Merlun, Diva Bethney, Siege Engine Rekon, Elusive Melindrha who is surrounded by a large cloud of glitter, Niwashal, Storm Lord Woten who is sitting, Miniature Miew, Fatalist Lagu, Yiel who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Seer Voksrig who is sitting, Initiate Paladin Clarkh, Stargazer Celeena who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Byrani, Chronicler Aaoskar and All-Seeing Lenaea who is surrounded by a golden cloud of glitter.
Obvious paths: west.


Aaoskar says, "Hello."

Aaoskar says, "I know this was spur of the moment and i apologize for that. just about the only time i had time to talk about this."

Aaoskar says, "We'll wait 5 minutes since it was on such a short notice."

Lagu says, "Ayliana says she'll be late."

Lagu says, "Since she's currently splattered all over the walls of the empaths' guild. Astral mishap."

Yiel says, "Ouch."

Aaoskar says, "Ok. i can go over stuff later with people...i think this might help people live longer in the astral plane."

Lagu says to Aaoskar, "I'm takin' notes, believe it."

Voksrig chuckles.

Woten bows to Lenaea.

Lenaea says to Lagu, "A timely death, given the topic of discussion."

Lenaea grins wryly.

Voksrig snickers.

Lagu nods at Lenaea, obviously agreeing with her views.

Lenaea curtsies to Woten.

Woten asks Melindrha, "Care for a class while we're here?"

Rekon says, "Hiyas."

Aaoskar says, "Hello."

Rekon waves to Aaoskar.

Woten asks Niwashal, "You want a class?"

Aaoskar says, "Good seeing you, Rekon."

Aaoskar waves.

Lenaea says, "Just a moment or two more, for stragglers."

Rekon exclaims, "You too, bud!"

Niwashal says, "Yes please Woten."

Woten says, "Pick your poison."

Niwashal asks, "Evasion?"

Niwashal says, "Thanks."

Woten says, "Sure."

Niwashal asks, "Relic? Are you implying your old Xixist?"

Xixist smiles.

Xixist says, "Others do."

Aaoskar says, "Thank you all for coming. Today I present the results of research performed over the last year. When many of us last gathered as a group, we attempted to reach out to Nera. We did not succeed at that time. But we will not give up. We decided to seek out other ways to connect with Nera. We started that process by performing research to gain a deeper understanding of the Astral Plane and the Plane of Probability, both of which overlap with the Plane of Abiding."

Aaoskar says, "Now, to discuss our initial research on the Astral Plane. I do ask that you hold your questions and comments until the end."

Woten nods.

Lagu nods.

Aaoskar says, "We have long known that time operates differently within the Astral Plane than it does here in the Plane of Abiding. This is readily observable by any Moon Mage who attempts to discern Time while traversing the endless landscape of the Astral through the microcosm. At a glance, it appears that there doesn't seem to be any definite movement of time in the environment. It almost feels like a stage set. Yet, further research has led us to question our initial perception and judgement on the nature of Time within the Astral."

Aaoskar says, "First and foremost, it is important to understand the microcosm. The microcosm is a small region of the Astral Plane affected by the magic of the fallen moon Grazhir. Moon mages of sufficient skill traverse the microcosm to and from any of the named Grazhir shards, with certain exceptions."

Aaoskar says, "But our research shows that the microcosm is more than just an area where the Astral Plane and Grazhir's magic overlap. The microcosm is the essence of Grazhir, or as a Cleric might say, its soul, and when we walk through it we dance in the corpse of the fallen moon."

Lenaea nods.

Niwashal blinks.

Lagu chuckles.

Aaoskar says, "Our further research reveals that Grazhir is likely not frozen in time within the Astral. Indeed, instead of an unmoving, timeless essence, Grazhir's mana swings like a Cosmic Pendulum. Allow me to explain."

Aaoskar says, "Grazhir's mana cycles through 6 distinct phases before reversing its course. We think that a pendulum best illustrates the process because the first and last phases are twice the duration of the other four. The first and last phase last approximately fourteen roisan each, give or take, while the middle four phases each last approximately seven roisan."

Aaoskar says, "Grazhir's mana flows in 6 ways: effortlessly, swiftly, steadily, hesitantly, dangerously low, and eventually reaches near exhaustion. The flow of mana decreases incrementally from effortlessly flowing to near exhaustion and then increases from near exhaustion to effortlessly flowing, swinging back and forth like a pendulum."

Aaoskar says, "This process can be observed at any of the named Grazhir shards, either here or in the microcosm, although we recommend that you perform your tests on this side, unless you are fond of unannounced visits from Pelag ai Aldam."

Aaoskar chuckles.

Lenaea snickers.

Voksrig grins.

Aaoskar says, "So, if the microcosm is, indeed, the corpse of a fallen moon as our initial research discloses, and Time does not pass within the microcosm, why would Grazhir's mana not exist in a steady state? Instead of static mana levels, we see mana levels swinging like a pendulum... once its mana is nearly exhausted, it is as if the hands of time are turned back and the moon once again reforms. As such, we submit that time must move, to some extent, in the Astral."

Aaoskar says, "We have also observed that the magical pattern of Grazhir, its essential quality, can become distorted. If no mortal being from the Plane of Abiding is within the Astral Plane, the flow of mana is completely smooth. This is independent from the mana levels that we can detect. However, if someone enters the Astral Plane, the mana flow becomes distorted. The more people that enter the Astral Plane, the greater the distortion. Once again, this can be observed at any Grazhir shard."

Aaoskar says, "The flow of mana is not distorted at all times, but only when we, the Children of Grazhir, enter the microcosm. Consider for a moment the significance of that fact. Creatures from the Astral Plane do not distort the flow of mana from Grazhir, else the mana flow would appear distorted at all times."

Aaoskar says, "We also know that as the number of mages entering the microcosm increases the level of distortion increases. We do not know all the degrees of distortion as we felt it would be unwise to push these limits."

Aaoskar says, "However, we do know that the Astral Plane immediately repairs all distortions once all those within the Astral Plane return to the Plane of Abiding. This is apparent because the mana flows become smooth once again. This suggests that the Astral Plane is more resilient to our intrusions than we once thought."

Aaoskar says, "What are the practical implications of our research? At this time, we believe that astral travel is safer when mana tends to flow effortlessly and when distortion is minimal. The reasons are simple. Less available mana and greater distortion likely makes travel more difficult. This is something that I observed from my own experience."

Aaoskar says, "Thank you for your time. This concludes our discussion of Grazhir as the Cosmic Pendulum and its Influence on Astral Travel."

Miew softly says, "The Grey Space.."

Lagu raises his hand.

Aaoskar says, "If there are any questions, feel free to ask."

Aaoskar says, "Yes Lagu."

Lagu asks Aaoskar, "Could you go into more detail on what is easier about astral travel when conditions are good?"

Aaoskar says, "It seems that when distortions are not that bad and when mana levels are at their best, people tend to stay in course more often."

Lagu nods.

Aaoskar says, "So for younger mages, in particular, it might be best for the to focus on the grazhir shards before entering the astral plane."

Woten raises his hand.

Aaoskar says, "This might sav their lives."

Aaoskar says, "Yes, Woten."

Woten says, "You called it 'healing' when the distortions diminished."

Woten says, "But when I step in a river, the water distorts and that is not a wound."

Ayliana came through a carved ivory door.

Ayliana takes a seat near Lagu.

Aaoskar says, "The distortions go away or perhaps mend themselves when everyone leaves the astral plane."

Woten asks, "Healing implies that you are damaging something, do you think that that is the case?"

Ozzimandius tugs at the tip of his beard distractedly.

Melindrha asks, "Or is it a restoration of previous status?"

Aaoskar says, "Good point, Woten. there were many in our last meetings who feared that our traveling of the astral plane damaged it."

Aaoskar says, "We wanted to let everyone know that evidence of our footprints seem to disappear quickly."

Lagu nods.

Miew raises her hand.

Niwashal raises his hand.

Lagu says, "Like swimming in a stream."

Aaoskar says, "Perhaps."

Aaoskar says, "I will say that much of this is still a theory, but based on much research."

Aaoskar says, "Yes Miew."

Miew softly asks, "How do you escape the grey space when you find yourself unable to escape?"

Lenaea says, "And so the theory goes, the more mages in the microcosm the greater the risk of catastrophe."

Ozzimandius raises his hand.

Woten chuckles.

Aaoskar says, "That is largely lucky."

Aaoskar says, "But it is said that those with more experience are slightly more lucky."

Aaoskar says, "Yes Niwashal."

Miew softly says, "SO it is possible."

Lenaea says to Miew, "Every now and again you can swim your way back by trying to move in every which way."

Aaoskar chuckles.

Miew softly says to Lenaea, "Ah, I'll try that. Thank you."

Aaoskar says, "Definitely possible."

Woten asks, "Is it only moon mages who distort the space, or does anyone traveling the plane casue that effect?"

Niwashal says, "Oh I was just wondering when you said like swimming in a pond. Was wondering if you're diving in and out of the astral is like a pond dropping in makes ripples but vanishes after the initial disruption."

Ozzimandius raises his hand.

Niwashal says, "Dropping stone that is."

Aaoskar says, "Good question. we really need to do more studies as to what causes distortions the most. we didnt look into astral guides at this time because we wanted to present the findings first."

Woten nods.

Woten ponders.

Ozzimandius raises his hand.

Aaoskar says, "And because we thought it was best to slowly approach this research and make observations as they occurred."

Woten asks, "Is your plan to intentionally distort the plane in order to help contact Nera?"

Aaoskar says, "Yes Ozzimandius."

Ozzimandius asks, "I have heard of armies using the astral plane .. would this cause massive distortions?"

Woten blinks at Ozzimandius.

Lenaea asks, "Armies, of moon mages?"

Aaoskar says, "At this time, Woten, we don't know. we move slowly with our research to be as safe as possible."

Lenaea says, "That'd make some ripples, surely."

Ozzimandius says, "Sorrow used em ... as did the spectral pirates."

Aaoskar says, "It would depend Ozzimandius. here is why."

Ozzimandius says, "And those moongates were green."

Ozzimandius clears his throat.

Aaoskar says, "If the armies were from an entity native to the astral plane, then we would not see distortion."

Woten says, "Moongates and the astral plane are different things though, important distinction."

Lagu nods at Woten, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ozzimandius says, "Ok."

Aaoskar says, "If the armies were from the plane of probability, they likely would not, but that is a guess based off of intrusions we have seen in the past during group predictions."

Aaoskar says, "If the armies were from creatures from the plane of abiding, the answer is yes."

Ozzimandius nods in agreement.

Aaoskar says, "The more moon mages or people in the astral plane, the more distortion."

Ozzimandius says, "Thank you."

Aaoskar says, "And that is important. because that is observable by any moon mage before the enter the astral plane."

Aaoskar says, "By making careful observations prior to entering the astral plane, individuals may be able to save their own lives."

Aaoskar says, "Individuals should look for both mana levels and distortion. you can see this simply by focusing on a grazhir shard."

Aaoskar says, "And really, i encourage everyone to focus on grazhir shards before their use."

Aaoskar says, "But as for the green moon gates, i dont know if anyone knows how they are doing that."

Ozzimandius nods to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "I know at one time, i postulated that they may be planetary gates as opposed to moon gates."

Lenaea says, "I can only imagine the skill required for that."

Ozzimandius says, "Indeed."

Aaoskar says, "That is because every constellation and body in the heavens has some connection to the plane of probability and it is the plane of probability that we reference when opening Gates."

Woten says, "Ah, the old Dawgolesh-gate."

Aaoskar nods to Woten.

Aaoskar ponders.

Aaoskar asks, "Any other questions?"

Miew raises her hand.

Aaoskar says, "Yes, Miew."

Lenaea says, "A planetary gate opened under Szeldia would be an intimidating sight."

Aaoskar nods to Lenaea.

Ozzimandius says, "Your work is welcomed ... thank you."

Aaoskar bows to Ozzimandius.

Ozzimandius bows to Aaoskar.

Ozzimandius adjusts his lirisan staff.

Miew softly asks, "I can't remember my train of thought yet what I remember reading a few months back and you referenced it yet a bit ago. Are we technically also manipuplating time? As in we're time travelers?"

Lagu frowns.

Ozzimandius says, "As long as the sky isnt falling."

Ozzimandius smiles.

Lenaea gazes up at the sky.

Lenaea says to Ozzimandius, "Not today. Not in the cards."

Ozzimandius grins.

Woten snorts, loudly.

Melindrha grins at Woten.

Aaoskar says, "Well, i think it is to quick for me to explain how time is moving within the astral plane and why grazhir's mana is increasing and decreasing like a pendulum. it is possible that it is like the hands of time turned back. at this time, that is our theory, but we need to continue to make observations and do research."

Woten asks, "Does anyone know if astral guides still work? Can they still be made?"

Lenaea says, "I believe they can be made, by anyone now."

Lenaea says, "At least I understand that was the goal."

Lagu says to Lenaea, "Not with artificing."

Lenaea says, "Ah not as yet."

Lenaea nods.

Lagu says to Lenaea, "Possibly binding or invoking, but as far as I know they cannot currently be made."

Aaoskar says, "I believe old ones still work and they are floating around still."

Lagu nods to Aaoskar.

Lenaea says, "In truth, I think it would be best to keep non moon mages out of the microcosm."

Lenaea says, "At least until we know more."

Lagu says, "Ayliana and I can attest that the ones given out by a Certain Person function just fine to get one to Teloish."

Lagu says, "Apart from that, though..."

Lagu shrugs.

Niwashal says, "Duly noted."

Niwashal says, "Appeasing the gods is challenge enough sometimes."

Ayliana says, "Well, it worked for me at least."

Aaoskar says, "I believe that astral guides bypass the microcosm. i am uncertain as to how this activity ripples across the plane."

Woten says, "Well, I've been looking to get my hands on one for a long time, so I'm always game to be the canary in the mine if you want a test subject."

Melindrha grins at Woten.

Lenaea gulps.

Lagu chuckles.

Lenaea chuckles.

Melindrha says, "If you explode, I get your wounds for free."

Aaoskar appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Woten says, "Accidents in the astral plane aren't notorious for leaving lots of debris."

Woten chuckles.

Melindrha says, "Boring."

Lagu says to Woten, "Residue is generally the word."

Lagu flashes a quick grin at Woten.

Woten chortles softly at some secret joke.

Aaoskar says, "We have more research to do. that is all we have today. we hope to hold another symposium before asketi's ride in 432."

Woten stretches his arms.

Aaoskar says, "I am personally a fan of quick and to the point meetings."

Woten says, "Ah right, that's coming up soonish."

Lagu says to Aaoskar, "Thank you for sharing your findings. Most interesting."

Woten nods to Aaoskar.

Melindrha nods.

Aaoskar says, "Thank you all for coming. and if anyone ever has questions or thoughts, i'm open to hearing and sharing ideas."

Woten says, "Thanks for hosting and sharing."