Visions Meeting 12/5/2020

LOG of Moon Mage Visions Meeting, 436 years, 233 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
OOC: December 5, 2020, 9:00 PM EST

Miskton says, "Wonderful, looks like we will have a group after all."

Hanryu says, "After all those fish-folk visions, I'm glad to hear about the ones moon mages have been having."

Zalinyar says to Ayrell, "Lovely Lynx."

Ayrell says to Zalinyar, "Thank you."

Miskton says, "Those visions were certainly interesting. I do wonder if they had something to do with the psychic communications the leviathans can use. At least, I think I recall Kolanem mentioning something about that."

Lagu says to Miskton, "Some more so than others, I should think."

Navesi says, "The leviathans were sending us visions? How curious."

You say, "I don't think that's what he meant."

Hanryu says, "I was not pleased all around, I'm more than happy to leave vision-having to the experts."

Miskton says, "Something was, at any rate, and it did not seem to be from the plane of probability. I'm not sure they were directly trying to communicate with us exactly, though."

Miskton says, "Okay, please make yourselves comfortable. I think it's about time to get started."

Zalinyar says, "Perhaps they just had a way to share with us their minds because they transported us above the sea."

Miskton says, "There are a few visions to discuss this evening, and as usual most of them don't seem to be crystal clear. But there are at least a few points of reference to discuss on several of them."

Miskton says, "Let's see, to start..."

Miskton says, "A father roamed a small home, playfully searching for his child. He opened cabinets and closets and peeked under beds and behind curtains, but he could not find the hiding child. After some time, the man frowned and walked to the child's room, concern creeping into his voice as he called out. With a start, he noticed the far wall had been painted with a door, and the door was slightly ajar. Tilting his head in curiosity, the man examined the painting, and details seemed to take shape before his scrutiny. A brass handle slightly burnished, the wood grain darkened, and a soft light poured through the door's edges."

Miskton says, "The man reached for the painted door and pushed it open, stepping into the light. The door silently closed behind him, and all was still as the vision faded."

Miskton says, "There have been a few visions featuring children of late, but they don't necessarily seem to have any direct links beyond that."

Navesi asks, "Reminds me of something previous we discussed about paintings... or was it something I read?"

Lagu says, "One child in particular comes to mind, but without we see the child in question, no guarantees that this one is the same. In fact I suspect not."

You say, "He seeks his child. Children are innocents. But the innocent here in this vision is gone."

Zalinyar asks, "Maybe the appearance of a child is meant to mean innocence, or niavity?"

Miskton says, "There was a vision somewhat recently that featured a G'nar Pethian painting something."

Xelten says, "Or perhaps the doorway was there all along, and he finally learned to see it."

Lagu says, "The painting seems just as important as the child."

Lagu says, "Important's not the word. Significant."

Miskton says, "It's somewhat difficult to say in this case if the painted door that can somehow be opened and stepped through is literal or not."

Miskton says, "It would not be the strangest thing I've ever seen."

Lagu asks, "Also of interest: did the details take shape before the man's eyes by his own will, or of themselves, in response to his scrutiny?"

Lagu asks, "How much of an agent is he in this?"

Miskton says, "I got the impression that he didn't expect the door to be there, but that doesn't mean he didn't know anything about it."

Lagu thoughtfully says, "Something tells me we have not seen the last of this man."

Lagu asks you, "Have you seen this vision as well? And, if so, was it a man or a woman you saw?"

You say to Lagu, "I did see it, and I saw a father."

Miskton says, "This seems like something to keep an eye out for, but not to make too many plans around just yet."

Lagu says to you, "Not an avatar for the seer, then."

Miskton says to Dantia, "Ah, good to see you. I think one of the visions to discuss this evening will be of interest to you."

Aaoskar says, "I like your way of seeing this, lagu."

Dantia says to Miskton, "It was quite a trek from where I was, I apologize for being late."

Miskton says, "Let's see... Since I brought it up, perhaps I should just go ahead with the vision I was just referring to."

Miskton says, "Two women stood in a wide open field, their sapphire blue linen robes billowing in the whipping winds as a wild storm built in the distance, crackling ominously. A massive bolt of lightning rent the sky, spooking a herd of horses along the steppe, a cloud of dust billowing in their wake. As the horses approached, the women raised their hands before them, and with a slow exhalation, lowered their hands back to their sides. The stampeding horses slowed to a gentle walk, calm and docile."

Miskton says, "One woman looked to the other and remarked, "It could have been that easy for her as well."

Miskton says, "The other nodded, and replied, "She had her reasons. You can't stop your best -- they find their own trouble."

Miskton says, "The horses walked around the women, unperturbed, and the vision faded."

Xelten asks, "Is that the future or the past?"

Miskton says, "I get the impression that these women are Empaths, and related in some way to the Elothean woman who appeared in a number of visions, and had an alfar warrior who appeared in even more."

Navesi says, "Moon Mages see the future."

Xelten says, "Usually."

Lagu says to Xelten, "The past is usually more the Bards' province."

You say, "Moon Mages see what might be, not necessarily the future."

Lagu says to Xelten, "As you say -- usually."

Navesi says, "Their ability to calm the animals had more of an Empath style to it than a Bard or Moon Mage one."

Dantia says to Miskton, "I think this vision has firmed up that the Empath was not working on her own, and was a part of some sort of ongoing association, whether that's formal or not is undetermined."

Navesi asks, "Did we ever see the other Empath in blue robes?"

Lagu says to Dantia, "A junior but well-regarded member of such an association, it seems. From their words."

Miskton says, "It also makes the area seem a bit more like the Gilen Otso Steppes, although still not something that can be confirmed."

Dantia says to Navesi, "She wore blue until her death, and then her Alfar wore part of her blue robe around his arm as he pursued what appeared to be revenge for her death and the Alfar's torture."

Miskton says, "The color of her robes was a bit obscure originally, but the scrap of cloth the alfar warrior bound to its arm was faded blue."

Zalinyar says, "The color of their robes, and the calming spell they used on the horses, there are other sects that could fit that."

Navesi says to Dantia, "Thank you for your memory."

You say to Miskton, "Given the horses here, and previous visions with horses on a high plain, I would guess Gilsen Otso is a likely location."

Zalinyar says, "And it seems as though they are speaking of a favored one."

Lagu says to Zalinyar, "A prodigal."

Miskton says, "Just what this organization might be, or what they were protecting, I couldn't say. If it is something going on over on Gilsen Otso, perhaps asking around in Horse Clan might unearth something."

Dantia says, "I have pursued a number of theories about her affiliation, including the House of the Filged Longleaf, the House of the Silver Star, the House of Rowan Branch and the Sisterhood of the Rose. My strongest inclination at this point is the Sisterhood, but it's based on very loose assumptions."

Dantia says, "Excuse me, Gilded Longleaf."

Zalinyar says, "Maybe looking for blue in Horse Clan would be a place to start researching."

Xelten says, "The sisters of the Rose are... differently inclined, in my experience."

Dantia says, "At the moment, perhaps."

Miskton says, "I'm not sure if this vision marks the alfar warrior having completed its revenge or not."

Miskton says, "It may still be seeking out more targets."

Dantia says, "I think this new vision also shows that the woman, despite being a part of an association, was acting on her own accord for some purpose."

Lagu says to Dantia, "Against the consensus of the association. Though whether in purpose or in method is unclear."

Miskton says, "Given the length of time over which we've been seeing these visions, I would not be surprised if at least some of the events seen early on have already come to pass."

Dantia says, "I also find the repeating them of racing horses interesting. At first I believed it to be a way to place the visions as being near the Arid Steppe, but I'm wondering if it could refer to something else."

Dantia says, "The foolhardiness of rushing into something, for example."

Navesi says to Dantia, "Interesting thought."

Dantia says, "I think, as always, we're left with more questions than answers."

Zalinyar says to Dantia, "And the blue robed ladies were sent to calm a rushing force."

Lagu says to Dantia, "Ain't it always the way."

Dantia says to Zalinyar, "Excellent point. Blue is often used as a calming color, the soothing of water."

Navesi says, "I do hope we eventually meet some of these women, or learn more of their story."

Miskton says, "The next vision also seems to fall into the category of more questions than answers, unfortunately. And is rather more on the ominous side."

Dantia exclaims, "This is an interesting line of thought, I will see what more I can dig up on it!"

Miskton says to Dantia, "I'm definitely interested in learning anything you can find."

Navesi says, "Ah, back to ominous."

Dantia quietly exclaims to Miskton, "Of course, I will be happy to share!"

Miskton says, "I found myself in a dark room, a circle of robed figures each crouching before an unlit candle. At the center of the circle, a young child was seated cross-legged, his thin body pale against the cold. The figures began to chant, and the child stretched taut -- arms wide, palms down -- and bowed his head. His body rippled with tension, and the room began to shake, the floor cracking and splitting. He brought his arms across his body, gripping his wrists, nails digging into his flesh. One by one, each candle flared with brilliance."

Miskton says, "The boy took a deep breath. His eyes snapped open, revealing pitch black sclera, and arcing his head back, he roared in fury. The vision faded."

You say, "The child is innocent no more."

Lagu tonelessly says, "I take consolation in the fact that the child is male."

Miskton says, "It would appear to be a possession by some sort of being, but the actual effects mostly don't seem to stand out as something in particular. Except perhaps the eyes, though I'm not sure off hand what that might signify."

Hanryu asks, "Were the figures summoning a creature into the body of a child, or trying to prevent said manifestation?"

Navesi says, "Somehow, it reminds me of the Plane of Probability."

Dantia asks, "Did we not see altars in the more recent visions regarding the Dragon Priests?"

Ezerak says, "If they were trying to prevent it, it seems they failed."

Lagu says to Hanryu, "The child seemed to be an active participant."

Hanryu says, "Yes, it does seem so either way."

You ask, "I do not recall, but did the seer Quentiana's eyes go black when the Spirits used her as a vessel?"

Miskton says, "I'm not sure I got a good look at her eyes. Things were rather chaotic."

Dantia quietly says, "We need more happy events centered on altars..."

Miskton says, "I'll have to look back through the notes I took at the time, just in case I did record something."

Navesi says, "Moon Mages' eyes frequently... change, during prophecy I think it is."

Lagu says to Navesi, "Yes. Though not in that way."

Zalinyar says, "And when possessed by stronger spirits."

Navesi says, "Indeed, just associating."

You say, "I seem to remember seeing something wrong with Quentiana's eyes. I can't be sure. I'll have to check as well."

Miskton says, "Whatever is going on in that vision is unfortunate, but sadly I don't think there's too many clues, unless something about the setup of the apparent ritual, or that change to the eyes, can be found somewhere."

Dantia says, "It's interesting to me that we saw an unwilling sacrifice at an altar in a circular room that mentioned the Dragon Emperor, and now this with similar iconography."

Miskton says, "The next vision I have to discuss features the figures who have been seen in a number of visions of late, wearing golden plate mail. Though their actions in this vision seem a bit... different."

Miskton says, "Everything flickered, the fabric of reality rent, and I found myself walking under a starless sky, flanked by figures wearing golden plate and holding bright torches. Skittering screeching could be heard in the distance as I made steady progress. I found my way to a wide unlit bonfire, and the figures formed a circle and began to chant, low and guttural. As their intonations reached a frightful crescendo, their torches extinguished, plunging everything into darkness. The yowling creatures seemed to press closer, louder and emboldened. The chanting droned into a resonant timbre, roaring forth with a squeezed last breath. The creatures began to howl."

Navesi says to Dantia, "Yes, but I do think it likely the mages would have recognized Dragon Priests in their vision."

Miskton says, "The bonfire suddenly erupted, burning downward, sparks raining from the sky in a pillar of spiraling flames, and for a brief moment I saw everything -- figures in glaringly bright armor faced outward, shield and spear ready, a horde of maw and tooth and claw and talon snarling, reaching -- and the vision faded."

Lagu says to Miskton, "More of the same. The differences only subtle."

Dantia says to Navesi, "That makes a broad number of assumptions that such things would be laid out plainly in a vision."

Miskton says, "The figures in golden plate standing against a horde of creatures remains the same, but the guttural chanting and fire from the sky are a bit different, for them."

Navesi says to Dantia, "Not assuming. Details often remain obscured. But often salient points do come out."

Zalinyar says, "I geel like they are referring to gryphons."

Miskton says, "Between the visions of these figures, and some others featuring similar twisted enemies, there does seem to be a very large battle of some sort coming."

Zalinyar says, "With the gold, and the fire."

Navesi says, "Interesting that this vision also involves a circle of figures, only their fires went out. At first, anyway."

Aaoskar says, "One moment."

Miskton says, "This particular instance seems like it may have been a trap to lure in some of the creatures for the fire striking from the sky."

Navesi asks Miskton, "Where else did we see golden plate?"

Aaoskar says, "Quentiana's eyes were clouded and empty she became possessed."

Lagu slowly says, "One often finds that the magnitude of the event is indicated by the length of time we see similar visions on the topic."

Lagu slowly says, "These... have been seen for quite some time, now. Years."

Miskton says to Navesi, "There have been a number of visions of figures in golden plate, generally holding battle lines, giving people time to escape chasing creatures, things like that."

Aaoskar says, "Not the usual shadows that flicker across one's eyes during a vision. they were clouded and empty."

Dantia quietly says, "I have some pending research on this line of visions as well. I'm strongly of the opinion that it's a representation of Paladins fighting fire breathing dragons, but again, whether that is to be taken literally or not..."

Zalinyar asks, "Empty?"

You say to Aaoskar, "Oh, Quentiana's were? That seems right. So not fully black, then. Perhaps the black scleras on the eyes of the boy have nothing to do with Moon Mages."

Zalinyar says, "Almost as if their living essence had been taken away, and nothing there was left."

Aaoskar says, "I dont know how her inner being felt. i just know how her eyes looked to me."

Dantia quietly exclaims to you, "I bought it hoping there would be theories in here!"

Dantia says, "Well, we all know who the cool kids are now."

Zalinyar says, "Sometimes, when I am remembering something, my eyes glaze over. But for them to turn black like that.... would be a strong malevolent force indeed I would think."

Navesi says to Miskton, "Ah yes, I remember now. There were figures in golden plate in one of the anomalies, too."

Navesi says, "'A band of soldiers clad in golden plate stand transfixed, watching existence and reality unravel, and one by one they throw down their shields in helpless defeat.'."

Zalinyar says, "They're being controlled. Eyes....."

Zalinyar exclaims, "That has to be it!"

Navesi says, "That was the one where the world seemed to be unraveling, elements acting... against the rules."

Miskton says, "The last vision I have to discuss this evening... I'm hoping some of the details inspire ideas in people. Because it really feels like there are clues as to what is going on, but the only one that stands out to me is perhaps one of the most obvious types of symbols in visions, with an avatar of one of the Immortals."

Zalinyar says, "When a spell is cast on someone, they have no control over themselves."

Miskton says, "A frozen scene stretched before me: an expansive throne room, a shocked and furious assemblage, a furious king with a crown of stars pointing at a woman kneeling before a lute, and a wren caught in mid-flight in the open window. I walked around the room a moment, taking in the details: the king's scarred face and burnt hand, the crowd's robes embroidered with stars and the phases of the moons, and the lute engraved with swirling galaxies. Slowly, the figures began to move. The wren chirruped curiously, and the woman clenched her jaw, flinching against the condemnation. Spittle flew from the king's mouth as he punctuated his tirade against the woman, each word bringing him one step closer. Standing before her, the king raised a foot and stomped on the lute, shattering it in a ruin of splinters and jangling strings. The wren flitted away, and the woman slowly looked up, her eyes cold, and the vision faded."

Aaoskar says, "Rules rarely break. rules just operate differently than we commonly understand."

You say, "Bardic, in my estimation."

You say, "The wren, the lute."

Lagu says to you, "Lunar as well."

Aaoskar says, "Or we just have bad rules to explain the universe. and our rules arent the universe's rules."

Miskton says, "A conflict between bards and moon mages somehow, it seems at a glance."

You say, "How lovely."

Miskton says, "The king looks very distinctive, but I'm not sure his appearance rings any bells for me."

Miskton says, "Scarred face and a burnt hand..."

Lagu thoughtfully says, "A king with a crown of stars, destroying something bearing both bardic and lunar sym.... bols."

Hanryu says, "The Kind of the fish-folk was also quite angry about his gilborn subjects trying to blow us all up."

Lagu says, "Scars."

Navesi says to Hanryu, "Merelew."

Dantia says to Hanryu, "That's where my thoughts went as well."

Hanryu says, "Yes them."

Lagu says, "I know of someone with scars not unlike those. Though he don't wear a crown. Yet."

Navesi says, "Still, this king and his assemblage are so completely painted in a Lunar way."

Navesi asks Lagu, "Who?"

Miskton says, "Everything about the scene seems to be related to the skies, even the apparent bard's lute."

Lagu simply says to Navesi, "Nefis."

You ask, "Could it be related to a Trader, not necessarily a Moon Mage?"

Navesi asks Lagu, "His filthy magic has nothing to do with stars, though, does it?"

Dantia says, "The lute was engraved with swirling galaxies as well, so the 'bard' as we are calling her is someone associated with the symbols, too."

Lagu says to Navesi, "No, not that I know of."

Zalinyar asks, "And what of the long lost Wren?"

Lagu says to Navesi, "Given what has touched him, though, any mantle of rulership associated with him gives me pause."

Zalinyar says, "Why a wren in the vision, and not a bluebird... or sparrow."

Dantia quietly says to Zalinyar, "Great questions."

Lagu says to Navesi, "I'm probably imagining things."

Navesi says, "Wrens are associated with Bards, and Faenella."

Navesi says to Lagu, "Perhaps obtain a sketch of his face, just in case."

Zalinyar says to Navesi, "That was where I was going."

Miskton says, "My guess would be that the wren either represents the bardic guild, or Faenella's intervention in some manner."

Lagu says to you, "My first instinct, actually, was to guess that it is not a king but an emperor. The Emperor of the Line."

Zalinyar says, "Faenella is my guess."

Lagu lightly says to you, "But then my penchant for dwelling overmuch on that entity and its kind is well-established."

You say to Lagu, "Possibly. Possibly."

You say to Lagu, "Oh, it's right and well to dwell - we hardly ever have clear answers."

Miskton says, "The fact that the king's hand is burnt also stood out strongly to me in the vision, so I feel that is likely important as well."

Miskton says, "And whatever was happening, he seemed to be incredibly angry."

Navesi says, "Spittle flying, indeed."

You say, "Monarchs are sometimes quick to anger. But the burn on his hand may have given him reason."

Navesi says, "Perhaps it represents a Bardic attempt to unify somehow with a Lunar style, and the jealous protection thereof by the king."

Lagu thoughtfully says, "An attempt, perhaps a successful one, to thwart, or destroy the result of, a joint venture between Bards and Moon Mages."

Miskton says, "Perhaps he was burned by the lute, somehow."

Zalinyar says, "I ponder now, how does one burn a hand? By playing with fire."

Navesi says, "Or he stuck his hand where it didn't belong."

You say, "Or someone burned him as an act of sabotage."

Lagu lightly asks Navesi, "Like into a fire?"

Miskton asks, "It's unclear what happened beforehand. A gift or offering? Or perhaps he attempted to take it from the woman?"

Navesi says, "A lot of fires in the visions lately."

Zalinyar says, "But the term playing with fire."

Lagu says to Navesi, "It's a potent symbol with many facets."

Dantia asks, "Wasn't there an artifact called Faenella's Lute? Used to keep in contact with Wren after her kidnapping?"

Dantia says, "We are stretching the limits of what I remember here, but it seems... pretty consistent."

Zalinyar asks, "Is there a description o this artifact?"

Navesi says, "As I recall, made of wood, darkened with use. Nothing about galaxies."

Dantia says to Zalinyar, "I would really need to look into it further."

Miskton says, "With so many details standing out, this vision in particular I am very curious about unraveling the mystery behind it."

Lagu says to Miskton, "It's quite tantalizing. Many potential keys to unlock the meaning."

Miskton says, "But sadly, that may take some time. And perhaps seeing if more visions follow with the same theme."

Miskton asks, "That covers everything I had prepared to discuss tonight. Does anybody have any other questions or thoughts they'd like to share?"

Navesi says, "Let us hope our guilds remain on friendly terms, and work to maintain our good relationship."

You say, "As long as we can talk to each other, like friends, I'm sure that can remain the case."

Enthal asks, "Would anyone have a moment to teach me to predict future events?"

Dantia exclaims, "Never! Empaths above all!"

Miskton exclaims to Enthal, "Of course!"

Miskton says, "The sun is up, so it might be a little tricky, but we should be able to get you sorted soon enough."

Lagu dryly asks Enthal, "After what you've just heard, you sure you want to?"

Enthal says to Lagu, "I feel as if I have been slacking, waiting so long to learn it."

Miskton says to Navesi, "The king at least does not seem to be Taramaine, unless he's going to be receiving some injury in the near future."

Jycanth says, "It did make me think of Throne City, but that's just a feeling."

Zalinyar says to Miskton, "One can be king to some, and not recognized by all."

Zalinyar says to Jycanth, "Me too."

Miskton says to Enthal, "You might want to prepare yourself. The things you might see can be a bit shocking."

Zalinyar says, "I have a really non related question at all..."

Miskton says to Zalinyar, "No harm in it, I suppose."

Zalinyar says, "But since I'm in the area, I got charged taxes for residency... and don't know what to do to make myself a non resident."

Lagu says to Zalinyar, "There's a clerk downstairs who should be able to help you."

Zalinyar says, "And I thought I would try to take care of that business while I was down this way."

Lagu says to Zalinyar, "Not sure which office."

Dantia says to Miskton, "Thank you for organizing this discussion, once again. And for inviting non-Moon Mages to participate."

Miskton says, "Yes, the citizenship office is here in the tower, downstairs."

Ezerak says to Miskton, "Yes, thanks for hosting again."

You say, "It was so nice to see and hear from everyone today."

Dantia quietly says to Ezerak, "It's quickly become my most looked forward to event."

Miskton says to Enthal, "Okay, let's see if that's enough..."

Zalinyar says, "I always appreciate the discussion of visios."

Miskton says, "There we go."

Aaoskar says, "Always good seeing everyone here. thank you for everything as always Miskton."

Zalinyar says, "It gives me a chance to really think about things in a way I don't often allow myself."

Miskton says, "Thank you all for coming."

Lagu says to Miskton, "Thank you for having us."

Enthal says to Miskton, "Thank you. I think."

Zalinyar says, "A pleasure to see everyone."

Hanryu exclaims, "Thanks as aways for hosting!"

Miskton says to Enthal, "A fairly mild introduction to the process."

Ezerak says to Dantia, "I enjoy them too, even if I rarely understand what any of the visions mean."

You say, "He *always* leaves in some weird way."

Lagu lightly says to you, "And yet you remain bonded to him."

You say to Lagu, "Indeed."

You say, "Well, I must be going."

Miskton says to Enthal, "You'll find it rather easier to gain insight once the sun sets. And then you'll be off and seeing all sorts of things."

Dantia says to you, "Travel safe, friend."