moon mage meeting log May 26, 2019 9:00 PM EST

You say, "Alright, we'll wait for Amavae to come back, and Aaoskar, and then we'll get going."

Rafano nods to you.

Sionyl nods.

Aaoskar came through a red door.

Sionyl says, "Excellent."

You say, "First, we'll hear from Rafano. Then I'll chatter some, then maybe even Aaoskar."

You say, "Then we'll get everyone on their way. I don't care much for long meetings."

Shield of Death Heartsfyre's group came through a red door.

Rafano grins at you.

Amavae's group came through a red door.

You exclaim, "Well, I don't!"

You laugh!

Heartsfyre weaves the white oak scepter through a simple series of gestures. A glass of Arthe Dale Delight appears in her right hand!

Amavae says, "Thank you."

Aaoskar says, "Oh, the alcohol, thank you a thousand times over."

You say, "Alright. Thank you all for coming. Before we discuss the plans to speak with Nera, I'd like Rafano to update us on recent events."

Greydok came through a red door.

You motion to Rafano.

Rafano smiles at you.

Rafano gratefully says to you, "Thank you so much for the floor - as you said, I'll try to be brief."

Rafano thoughtfully says, "While I am still thinking through the full list of events that transpired, I would be happy to give a quick recounting. I expect my more complete report to be done within the next day or two . . ."

Rafano says, "To give a quick summary for those not aware: this was an Experiment to try to decipher the symbols from the Arbiter's Stylus, a Trader spell, in order to learn more about the Arbiter and Its Contract with the Trader's Guild."

Rafano proudly says, "We conducted the Experiment exactly as planned. The execution went smoothly and for that I thank all of those involved, particularly Aaoskar and Lenaea, and the rest of those who assembled with us to seek knowledge . . ."

Sionyl sighs.

Rafano says, "Skipping ahead to some of the more interesting bits, the Negotiants did in fact appear to us who were assembled there . . ."

You nod.

Koreberg gasps!

You pause for a moment, closing your eyes to refocus your thoughts.

Rafano mysteriously says, "They began to show us things . . . equations, of sorts. Some of them centered around the symbols in the Arbiter's Stylys spell, confirming some of our theories that the symbols do in fact hold meaning."

Rafano sadly says, "However, though the actions of the Negotiants seemed to confirm that the symbols do in fact have meaning, that meaning still eludes . . . the experiment was unsuccesful in helping us decipher their secrets."

Fanatic Phabious came through a red door.

Rafano thoughtfully says, "My last note is this: the Negotiants left us with one message of sorts. They said: "The Contract remains as intended. This stanchion remains." And then they vanished . . . and the night held no other discoveries for us, I'm afraid."

Sister Brisby came through a red door.

Rafano gratefully says to you, "Thank you for the floor. I believe that is all I have for now."

Rafano nods politely to you.

You nod.

You say, "Keep Rafano's words in your mind."

You say, "Alright."

Aaoskar says, "Such an interesting word they chose to describe things...Stanchion."

Zalinyar says, "Thats an odd way to prase ."

You say, "We have met over the past few lunar cycles to discuss our plans to attempt to reach out to Nera by creating a curious anomaly within the Plane of Probability that would have caught her attention when she gazed upon her future times, our present."

Iconn came through a red door.

You say, "But as we have seen new faces at each meeting, let us briefly touch upon why we hope Nera will reach out to us and how we plan on creating such an anomaly."

Zalinyar nods to you.

You say, "Before I begin, I wish to draw attention to two matters."

You say, "First, as is our custom, we have asked our guildleaders for guidance on this and every research endeavor. In addition, each Moon Mage guildleader has been invited to attend this discussion, and every discussion, that we have had or will have. The Guild has remained silent. We move forward on our own."

Koreberg lets out a resounding "Boo!"

You say, "Second, I wish to alleviate some Bardic concerns. We are not attempting to gaze upon the past with the Anomaly. Instead, we hope that The Anomaly would be something that Nera would have noticed in *her* present when gazing upon *her* future. And we hope that this curiosity would have made her want to use her powers of foresight to reach forward to investigate or converse with the source, just as she did with The Arbiter so long ago."

You ask, "So, why do we want to reach out to Nera?"

You say, "Nera was one of the most gifted prophets ever known. She likely knows the most about the Arbiter in Darkness and Pelag ai Aldam. We know from Bardic recall that it was she who Named Pelag and it was she who reached through time and projected an image of herself to have a discussion with these two entities. We hope that she will reach out to us in the same manner and shed light on our relations with these entities and creatures from the Plane of Probability."

You say, "Although some may disagree, we believe that the Arbiter in Darkness poses a threat to us. There have been many instances in our recent history that demonstrate that creatures from the Plane of Probability are hostile towards us, and Bardic recall concerning Nera's contact with him seem to suggest as much, as well."

Sionyl nods.

You say, "We also know that the Arbiter struck a contract with the Trader's Guild. The gist of the contract, we are told, is that Traders received Lunar magic in exchange for their promise not to touch upon the Plane of Probability. However, the full details of the contract have not been revealed, even to Traders. We suspect that the Arbiter may benefit from his deal in some other way. We should be on our guard, at the very least, but we should also strive to understand so that we may attempt to achieve peace."

You say, "However, the events on Taisgath Island demonstrated that creatures from the Plane of Probability are not interested in talking to us about peace. Snarling shadows with too many eyes called us defilers when we posed innocent questions. We were called the Children of Grazhir. The shadows also attacked."

Heartsfyre shakes her head as if clearing it.

Sionyl chuckles.

You rub Aaoskar in a friendly fashion.

You say, "We submitted a theory several months ago, on the first day of the 6th month of Arhat the Fire Lion, year 430, that the ritual naming plays a large role in the anger we see from creatures from the Plane of Probability. In short, we hypothesize that, because of planar overlap, the naming of the Grazhir shards bound infinite possibility into finitude. We believe that this naming affected the Plane of Probability and is a wellspring of hostility."

Gopburpop came through a red door.

You say, "We could reach again to extraplanar creatures to see if our hypothesis is correct, but as we have seen, direct contact with these extraplanar entities has proved unreliable, if not outright dangerous. We instead decided to pursue other routes. We decided to attempt contact with Nera, the woman who named Pelag. The woman who claims to have damned us."

Gopburpop pants.

You say, "We have spoken before about the general questions we might ask her in the event that our attempt to create an anomaly reaches her. Today, I would like to nail down some of the specific questions, especially in light of the recent Lunar Experiment led by Rafano."

You say, "I will share some of these questions with you today, but I also want to know whether you have any you would like to add. Some of you may not know the context of these questions. Please let me know afterwards if you would like to know more."

You nod.

Sionyl folds her arms across her chest.

You ask, "Why are we called the Children of Grazhir? Defilers?"

You ask, "Why are creatures from the Plane of Probability filled with rage? Is it because our theory of the naming ritual is correct?"

Coriana came through a red door.

You ask, "Are you Cashek Gand Aldam?"

Ahshien asks, "If peaceful dialog has not been productive, would it be considered to perhaps engage in more aggresive dialog?"

You ask, "Why did you name Pelag ai Aldam the Servant of Fate? Who does he serve?"

You ask, "What is the Arbiter? What is his purpose?"

You ask, "What did you mean when you told the Arbiter that he might still give this moment meaning? Did you hope that he would somehow resolve the conflict between himself and the Children of Grazhir?"

Sionyl raises her hand.

You ask, "Why did the Arbiter strike a deal with the Trader's Guild?"

You ask, "We heard the Negotiants speak of a stanchion. What did they mean?"

You ask, "What is the Way of Death and Glory? Why must we know it?"

Sionyl nods to you.

You hear someone laugh.

You ask, "Is there no way to make peace?"

Ahshien searches around for a moment.

You ask, "Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Is there anything of vital importance on our horizon that we have not yet seen? What would you like us to know?"

You say, "We will meet again shortly after the new year at the Cosmic Eye, just outside Leth Deriel, on the 25th day of the first month of Akroeg the Ram, at sunset. We invite members of all guilds to assist us in this endeavor, but especially need the help of the Moon Mages."

You say, "Now, before Aaoskar discusses the methods we may use to create an anomaly, please let me know if any other questions for Nera come to mind."

Heartsfyre licks her lips.

Sionyl rolls her eyes.

You say, "Or any other discussion."

Azolei smacks his lips.

Ahshien nods to you.

Sionyl asks, "Might I ask a question?"

You say, "Indeed, but first to address Ahshien."

Ahshien says, "Apologies for speaking out of turn."

You say, "I am of the mind that the best offense is a good defense."

Ahshien says, "I had thought maybe an interrogation could be arranged."

You say, "Speaking honestly, I do not think that we have the capacity, or the knowledge, to do so."

You say, "NOt at this time."

Ahshien nods to you.

Ahshien says, "I trust your wisdom on this."

You say, "But it may be that such a feat would be possible, if Ilbani's theories hold true...."

You ponder.

You say, "Sionyl, you had a question."

Zaer whispers, "I also have a question when it's my turn."

Sionyl says, "Yes, I am curious about the Naming of the Extraplanar beings and if we have reached out to others, such as clerics and perhaps other guilds that have had experience with such beings..."

Ilveric frowns.

Zaer grins at you.

You hear someone scoff.

Ilveric says, "We have silent observers amongst us."

Sionyl says, "I have found many find these beings serious threats to our Plane and some even whisper of darker consequences for interacting with them or even Naming them..."

Sionyl shrugs.

Aaoskar says, "This would be an interesting pursuit and i would encourage someone to reach out to those who have this sort of knowledge."

Sionyl says to Ilveric, "Some are always interested in knowlege but do not wish to be obtrusive."

Aaoskar says, "To my knowledge, none have used the Naming Ritual save Moon Mages."

Rafano whispers to his frosty tessera.

Sionyl says, "Perhaps, but there may be others who have made attempts."

You say, "The shadowlings do have so much to say."

You chuckle.

Ahshien laughs!

You say, "The concept of planar overlap is something that's been seen recently."

Ahshien seems very agitated with his shadow.

You say, "It seems the soul of Maelshyve, accessible near Shard and Riverhaven, overlaps with this Plane."

Sionyl asks you, "Do you mean the events with Maelshyve and her own Plane?"

You nod.

You say, "Indeed."

Sionyl chuckles.

Sionyl says, "Great minds think alike..."

You say, "There's danger there, I fear. Danger that the Clerics and Osven did not fully consider,."

Sionyl asks, "I believe that your own research has hinted that the Naming may have limited the beings, which is what angered them, but could it have also tied them to our Plane and caused an overlap such as what occurred with Maelshyve?"

You say, "Perhaps."

You say, "But matters concerning Demons and their like are well outside my wheelhouse."

You say, "No matter what the rumor mill says."

Sionyl nods.

Rafano grins at you.

Aaoskar appears to be trying hard not to grin.

You say, "That might be a good question for Nera, however."

Sionyl says, "The masses often label things they cannot understand as vile or demonic. It is simply a sad state that we have not educated them all appropriately./."

You ask, "How close are the extraplanar beings with which we are familiar to those known by the clerics?"

Rafano nods at Sionyl, obviously agreeing with her views.

Sionyl shrugs.

Aaoskar says, "All of this indeed points to why we want to speak to Nera. We want to reach out to one of the greatest prophets to give us insights that we may not have considered."

Sionyl says, "Perhaps Nera has further insight into such."

You ask, "Zaer, did you have a question?"

Zaer nods.

Zaer says, "Thank you."

Aaoskar says, "Ultimately, i think the most important thing that we can gather from this meeting is what are the questions that we wish to ask."

Zaer asks, "I'm curious the lengths you'd propose we take for peace. Specifically if it were demanded that the Moon Mages close off access to the Astral Plane?"

Zaer says, "Should Nera offer any compromises."

Aaoskar says, "I think it is unwise to speculate before we have gathered facts."

Sionyl nods to Aaoskar.

You say, "I guess that'd depend on what Nera says, if she says anything."

Zaer says, "I'd argue, though respectfully, not considering the limits we'd accept puts us at a disadvantage. We might not have another opportunity to consider them."

Aaoskar says, "And...part of what we do is to gather facts so that people can make the wisest decisions possible."

Rafano nods to Aaoskar.

You say, "Let me share with you some of the discomfort I have with the Arbiter, if I may."

Rafano thoughtfully says to Aaoskar, "Data, data, data . . . only with it can we hope to fit the equations the Negotiants share with us, I think. And find the outliers."

You say, "And I know that by voicing these thoughts I may put myself in danger."

You say, "I suspect that the Negotiants, and the Arbiter, are poised to strike."

You say, "Or at least getting ready to do so."

Ilveric blinks.

Rafano blinks.

Koreberg gasps at you!

Ahshien's tail undulates in an agitated fashion.

You say, "If you'll indulge me."

You say, "And I'm sorry Rafano...."

Rafano glances at you.

You say, "But many traders now carry with them some devices in their heads."

Melindrha blanches.

Aaoskar says, "I love how half say we move to slow and the other half say that we act in haste."

Sionyl raises an eyebrow.

Salubrie asks, "Devices?"

Koreberg nods to Aaoskar.

You ask, "What if.... what if those devices could be used by the Arbiter to manifest his forces here?"

You ask, "What if our friends, our Traders and merchants, are mere conduits?"

Sionyl nods.

You wave your hand distractedly.

You say, "Maybe I'm wrong."

Melindrha says, "The Trader with whom I discussed this said that the request was made by those in authority within their guild."

You quietly say, "I hope I'm wrong."

Aaoskar says, "What request are you speaking of Melindrha. i must have missed something."

Melindrha says, "Their implants."

Melindrha says, "It was a "Be a good sport, show willing" kind of thing."

Salubrie screws her eyes shut and winces.

You say, "Show willingness. Interesting."

Melindrha nods.

Rafano grins.

Salubrie frets.

Melindrha says, "Compliance."

Aaoskar asks, "Submission?"

Koreberg chuckles.

You say, "I do not wish to speak out of turn, but to my eye, it does not appear that the Arbiter received a true benefit to his bargain."

You say, "But that may be a discussion for another time."

Ahshien coughs.

Rafano proudly says, "Well, to be fair, we got our benefits too."

Aaoskar says, "But perhaps Nera can give us insight into what The Arbiter has gained."

Ilveric says, "I think that may be part of the issue, we don't know what the full terms of the contract include."

You nod at Ilveric, in complete agreement with his views.

Aaoskar nods to Ilveric.

Aaoskar says, "Precisely."

Sionyl says, "Who knows what the Arbiter has gained, or what It plans on gaining. We do not understand enough about it to even hazard a guess at It's motives or desires...if It even has such as we comprehend them."

You say to Rafano, "You did, but was it an equivalent exchange? Or even a fair one? Of that I'm not certain."

Ilveric nods at Sionyl, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "Exactly, which is why we now circle back to Nera, and our questions."

You nod.

Aaoskar says, "And all of this points to why we need more knowledge."

Aaoskar says, "And this is why we seek out Nera."

Sionyl asks you, "Agreed, but are we sure that even Nera will know these things? Where do we look next if this course proves fruitless?"

You say to Sionyl, "The truth is, we don't know if she'll even see our attempt to reach out."

You say to Sionyl, "But she was strong enough to send an illusion of herself forward in time to speak with the Arbiter."

Sionyl says, "True, but we can have faith and confidence in the theories we are applying."

Rafano nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You say to Sionyl, "She was strong enough, and had enough foresight, to speak with him, to ask him to listen to reason."

You say to Sionyl, "Perhaps she might have something for us."

Rafano hopefully says to you, "Her powers of Illusion were said to be unmatched. It's possible she might see us."

Xzean comes out of hiding.

Aaoskar says, "As sad as this may be to those who want certainty, There is none, nor will there ever be. all we can do is our best."

Sionyl chuckles.

You say, "Maybe someday our best will be sufficient."

You sigh.

Rafano says to Aaoskar, "There are no truths. There are no facts. There is only the confidence interval."

Aaoskar nods to Rafano.

You say, "Now, Aaoskar is going to repeat the methods that we've discussed for reaching out."

Aaoskar says, "From a lunar perspective, we work in probabilities and possibilities...never certainties."

Sionyl says, "We would not be working to prove theories if we had certainty. This is why we do the research and testing that we do."

You ask, "Unless anyone else has comment?"

Aaoskar says, "And please, after this meeting, reach out to us if you think of different questions that we need to ask."

You say, "Alright, let's have you talk about the different methods we can try, then we'll send folks on their way to bigger and better things."

Aaoskar says, "Ok...to my favorite part...the theories."

You smile.

You laugh!

You nod.

Melindrha laughs!

You settle yourself on the narrow bench.

Aaoskar rubs his hands together.

You motion to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "To explain how we will use teleportation magic to, hopefully, connect with Nera, let us talk briefly about why we hope this will work."

Aaoskar says, "Most people think that something can either be here or there, but not both places at the same time. Teleportation magic, however, operates on a different model. One needs only to focus on an open Moongate to see that, using a principle of enlightened geometry, the Moongate occupies two points in space simultaneously."

Aaoskar says, "Why is this so? Because our moonbeams connect with the Plane of Probability. In the Plane of Probability, everything and nothing has its place: everything that was and was not, is and is not, and will and will not be. Every possible event and outcome are present there. Moonbeams are no exception."

Aaoskar says, "Our written lore affirms that teleportation magic is possible only through access to the Plane of Probability. For a point of reference, one might consult A Beginner?s Guide to Astrology, Prophetic Reflections, or Denizens of the Plane of Probability. But the mechanisms behind how and why our teleportation magic functions is not explained in detail in any of these books."

Aaoskar says, "We hypothesize that teleportation is possible because a single moonbeam exists in infinite states simultaneously within the Plane of Probability. When we open a moongate, we are opening and connecting two possible versions of the same moonbeam, connecting two different locations. While this may sound strange, we are not the first to suggest that things exist in different states simultaneously. Both followers of G'nar Peth and Jon Ilbani made similar claims."

Sionyl chuckles.

Aaoskar says, "Now to discuss why we hope this will work. We believe we can use the inherent variation of a moonbeam to create a peculiar anomaly within the Plane of Probability, in our present time, that Nera would have noticed in her time. We hope that we can create an anomaly that would have attracted her attention and prompt her to reach out to explore its source."

Ilveric nods.

Aaoskar says, "We propose to use at least one of the following several methods to attract Nera's attention:."

Aaoskar says, "As a first option, we will ask that moon mages focus moonbeams into one area here, at the Cosmic Eye. In rapid succession, we will destroy and recreate moonbeams and Moongates by using unbend sigils to destroy the anchored beams. This could create a sort of distress beacon that a talented seer would have noticed in the past."

Aaoskar says, "At the cosmic eye near Leth."

Aaoskar says, "Another option would be to concentrate access points to the Plane of Probability by opening multiple Moongates to the Cosmic Eye. The connection to that plane could be further reinforced by triangulating moongates opened from the Marendin, Vellano, and Taniendar shards to the Cosmic Eye, with the hope that we will draw upon the powers of the Pillars of Secrets, Unity, and Introspection. Such concentrated access might create a ripple large enough that a seer like Nera would have noticed in the past."

Aaoskar says, "The option we have considered the most, however, is an attempt to thread probability upon itself. We will do this by asking moon mages to shift their focused moonbeams, and even opened Moongates, back and forth through the eye of a single Moongate, entangling and disentangling a knot in probability. We hypothesize that this anomaly might be enough to pique the curiosity of Nera as she viewed the web of fate from her time."

Aaoskar says, "That is how we might achieve this objective, and, of course, we do plan to take whatever precautions we can. I welcome your thoughts and comments after we're done here today."

You nod.

Aaoskar mutters something into the air about loving radical theories.

You say, "Well, that's all we ha..."

You laugh at Aaoskar!

Salubrie asks, "I'm sorry, how dangerous is this to each individual moon mage that's attempting each said plan?"

You say, "We do not know for certain, which is why we ask that empaths, clerics, and paladins also be on hand."

You say, "That's the beauty of experiments--you never know what might happen."

Zaer says, "Tampering with probability is always dangerous. That's rarely a disincentive."

Melindrha says to Salubrie, "I have the feeling that their nerves will be shot, minimum."

You nod at Zaer, in complete agreement with his views.

Salubrie frets.

Gopburpop says to Melindrha, "Probably a given."

You say, "Aaoskar and I follow Fortune's Path."

Melindrha shrugs.

You say, "We're gamblers by nature."

Melindrha says, "Redirect, regen, and heal of luck."

You say, "No risk, no reward."

Aaoskar chants a few words in a low voice.

A pair of translucent dice that glow with inner light appear in his hands.

He tosses them down and the dice come up as a three and a two.

The dice remain briefly, then flicker out of existence.

You snicker.

Aaoskar says, "I think it is a good plan though."

Ilveric asks, "Have people considered that our actions may also gain the interest of others than Nera?"

You nod to Ilveric.

Zaer says to you, "The Monks would, perhaps counterintuitively, agree with you."

Rafano smiles at Ilveric.

Aaoskar nods to Ilveric.

You say to Ilveric, "I have, but it's a risk I'm willing to take."

Aaoskar nods to Ilveric.

Melindrha says, "Sooner or later, one needs to just grab their ass and jump."

You say to Ilveric, "Nera knows so much. It would be unwise to reach back to her time. I believe it would be far safer for us if she reaches out to ours."

You laugh at Melindrha!

You nod to Melindrha.

Zaer nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Sionyl says, "I agree, this appears to be a risk we must take. If not just to reach out to Nera but to learn more about these beings that appear to despise Moon Mages while making unknown compacts with the Trader Guilds."

Salubrie asks, "A risk "You" are willing to take? And we are thowing rocks into a lake not sure of what might notice the ripples?"

You say to Salubrie, "As I said at the start, we have asked our Guild for guidance."

You say to Salubrie, "None comes."

Sionyl chuckles.

You say to Salubrie, "I am not content to sit on my hands."

Aaoskar says, "That is also why we are attempting something far more subtle than what has been attempted in the past."

Sionyl says to you, "Not suprisingly, unfortunately."

Rafano says, "Same with the Trader Guildleaders, for what its worth . . . they appear to shake all magical cares from their shoulders."

Aaoskar says, "We are not doing a group prediction to widen the window in the web of fate."

Aaoskar says, "We are not using sorcery."

Aaoskar says, "We are not using teleologic sorcery."

Salubrie says to you, "I'm sorry, I just worry about things I know very little."

Gopburpop sighs.

Aaoskar says, "We are using common spells...but using them in hopefully a subtle enough way that will help us succeed."

Zaer says to Salubrie, "That's not unwise, but we won't know much more doing nothing."

You say, "And please, please do ask that your empathic friends and Paladin friends lend a hand."

Aaoskar says, "But let us not deceive ourselves. and that is important..."

Gopburpop asks, "Well, who said life was safe?"

Rafano says to Salubrie, "Don't apologize, there's no need . . . we're all here seeking knowledge because we admit we know very little."

You grin at Gopburpop.

You let out a hearty cheer for Gopburpop!

Aaoskar says, "Everything in life is a gamble... Sitting on our hands and doing nothing is also a gamble that nothing bad will happen if we sit on our hands."

Gopburpop says, "I almost got crushed under the wheels of a caravan just getting here."

Ilveric asks, "You say you've reached out to leaders of the Guild, but what about others who may no longer be in leadership?"

You say, "We've reached out to many. MANY."

You sigh.

You say, "Silence."

Ilveric asks, "And Tiv?"

You say, "He's not accessible, even thoughts."

(Aaoskar smells his breath)

Aaoskar shakes his head.

Gopburpop nods to you.

Aaoskar mutters something into the air about nope that is not keeping them away.

You say, "Oh goodness."

You frown at Aaoskar.

Aaoskar blushes, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of red.

You say, "At any rate, we will move forward. shortly after the new year."

Koreberg nods to you.

You think to yourself, "Will they help us? I know not. We need them, though. We need everyone."

Rafano nods to you.

Aaoskar says, "But in all seriousness, we think this is a good plan. and we encourage everyone to reach out to us if they think of precautions we should take...and if they think of any specific questions that we really should be asking."

You nod.

(Sionyl rubs her hands together while smiling.)

You say, "With that, I'll close."

Sionyl says, "This should be interesting."

You stand back up.

You grin at Sionyl.

Brisby ponders.

Brisby nods.

Brisby says, "I'll be there."

Salubrie says, "I will as well, if possible."

You exclaim, "OH!"

You say, "And Gates will NOT be a problem."

You laugh!

Melindrha laughs!

Gopburpop chuckles.

You exclaim, "We'll have three moons!"

Rafano smiles at you.

Melindrha says, "I'll be there."

You say, "Alright, safe travels to all."

You beam at Melindrha!

Salubrie nods to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "Short, sweet, and to the point."

Aaoskar says, "Thank you all for coming."

Gopburpop says to Melindrha, "Thank ya."

You breathe very slowly and deliberately, calming yourself.

Melindrha says to Gopburpop, "My pleasure."

Salubrie ponders.

Rafano smiles.

Melindrha ponders.

Salubrie asks you, "Quick question?"

You nod.

Salubrie asks, "If I may?"

Rafano cheerfully says, "Well done, both of you."

Melindrha says, "All sorted."

Salubrie asks, "This boils down to a contract with the traders guild?"

Gopburpop says, "Oh i have one too."

You say, "No, much more."

You say, "The contract is only a part of the story."

You say, "Bardic Recall at the planar observatory, near Leth Deriel, tells the story of Nera, and her discussion with the Arbiter."

Rafano says, "The Contract is new . . . the tensions between the Arbiter and the Moon Mage Guild, as I understand it, are . . . much deeper."

You nod.

Salubrie says, "I see, they are related."

Rafano nods to Salubrie.

Salubrie says, "I've done some reading, just not connected them."

Melindrha says, "The Traders don't like not knowing the fine print, to my understanding."

You say, "I am toying with asking her whether she is the cause of our strife...."

Salubrie says, "Thank you."

You sigh.

Rafano smiles at Melindrha.

Gopburpop nods to Melindrha.

Gopburpop says, "Any trader worth their salt knows much about contracts."

You say, "If she named Pelag, then she bound him to finitude."

Rafano says to Melindrha, "That's usually where the bad stuff might be hidden."

Salubrie says to you, "She would have to be involved, or she could not have our answers I would think."

Melindrha says, "Don't I know it. And the loopholes."

Salubrie says, "If she has any."

Salubrie says, "Being dead centuries."

Ilveric says, "The Arbiter is much more cunning than any here seem to be ready to admit."

You say to Salubrie, "She was a prophet of the highest caliber."

Rafano says, "You're not wrong . . . there has already been at least one breanch of the Contract. The results were . . . unpleasant."

Melindrha shudders.

You say to Salubrie, "She could see centuries into the future. She may know more than we anticipate."

Gopburpop ponders.

Rafano nods at Melindrha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Salubrie says, "Forgive me, I read alittle, but the physical and the now are my realms so I grasp very little, it is not disrespect, it's ignorance."

Rafano gets a clear tessera from inside his thigh quiver.

You whisper to Ilveric, "ilveric I believe that the devices, the Avtalia Array, might be used to control the Trader's thoughts.... or worse, turn them into beacons for the Arbiter's forces."

You whisper to Ilveric, "think about it--there are Traders in every province, everywhere. He could use them to strike everyone at once."

Salubrie asks, "Can I ask an unrelated question, your opinion?"

You exclaim, "Certainly!"

Ilveric whispers, "I think about the Arbiter's powers all the time."

Salubrie says, "I'm facinated with socery, I don't cast, I read, I research everything I can find."

Salubrie asks, "I went as far as to implant a mana tuner so I can SEE the mana, it's wonderful, do you know if it's dangerous?"

Salubrie says, "It's shimmering here."

You say, "I have one myself."

You grin.

Salubrie says, "I don't cast it, honestly."

Salubrie says, "Okay, I just didn't know."

Salubrie says, "Felt nervous."

You say, "I think there's always a danger with any device implanted in your body, but the danger I see with the ones in the Traders heads..."

Ilveric whispers, "I have deep mistrust of any contract where the terms are not known, with a creature known to use trickery and deceipt against the shamans of old"

Melindrha nods.

You say, "Well, consider the source of the devices."

You say, "Who they came from."

Salubrie asks, "It's just necromancy, of the high and low Sorcery that the gods disdain correct?"

Ilveric nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You say, "For that you'd have to consult a friendly cleric."

You grin.

Gopburpop says, "And not disrespecting our present Trader, but they weren't exactly raised as mages."

You say, "WHat I know of Teleologic sorcery I will not speak today."

You grin.

Ilveric chuckles at you!

Salubrie says, "Hard to find an unbiased opinion, or short sightted one."

Salubrie says, "I will try."

Salubrie says, "Thank you for your time, I will be at the event if I can."

You ask Gopburpop, "It does seem rather imbalanced, doesn't it?"

Gopburpop says, "They certainly have the power of the purse, now they have something else."

Gopburpop looks at you and shrugs.

You ask Gopburpop, "Their promise not to use magics they already didn't use, in exchange for starlit powers?"

Gopburpop says, "I've been isolated for quite some time."

You say, "I mustn't say much more."

Gopburpop says, "But their ability for good or ill, I cannot say."

Rafano says, "That's true . . . the first time I cast a spell I was certainly a threat to myself and others. But times change."

You quietly say, "After all, the Negotiants did appear out of thin air at the Paper Mill."

You say, "They could be here, even now."

Gopburpop says, "The more we learn, the more we uncover and learn more of our ignorance."

Salubrie says, "Oh one last question? Sheesh, I'm sorry."

You nod.

You say, "Sure."

Salubrie asks, "I have a spell, I was going to sell it, it is better to destroy? Sovereign Destiny?"

You say, "No, that's a good one."

Salubrie asks, "It doesn't lead to corruption?"

Salubrie says, "My reading is light on the matter."

You say, "If you happen to curse yourself, you can use sovereign destiny to remove it."

You say, "It is sorcery, though."

Gopburpop says, "Pleasant evening all, be mindful where you tread."

You say, "So Use it carefully."

Gopburpop went through a red door.

Salubrie asks, "Does it block movement through a moongate?"

Salubrie says, "Or just through the plane, do you know."

You say, "You'll have to come to other talks, in less URBAN areas, when we speak about such matters."

You cough.

Rafano grins at you.

Melindrha grins.

Melindrha says, "I have a planning question."

You say, "Oh! Yes."

You nod to Melindrha.

Salubrie says, "I'll do so, thank you."

Melindrha asks, "Is there an Empath you've been working with to have as point person for support personnel?"

You shake your head at Melindrha.

You say to Melindrha, "Frediwyn usually shows up, but she gets fussy."

You say to Melindrha, "If you're up to the task, please, by all means."

Melindrha says, "I just don't want someone with nerve damage to be ignored because someone else gets 2-3 hands on them."

Melindrha grins at you.

You nod.

You grin.

Melindrha says, "I'm certainly bossy enough."

Rafano laughs at Melindrha.

Melindrha grins.

Rafano laughingly says to you, "I like her."

You nod at Rafano, in complete agreement with his views.

Melindrha says, "I plan ahead when I can."

You say, "Okay, folks, please reach out to me if you think of anything else."

Melindrha asks, "So I'll be there on the 25th of next month, yes?"

Rafano says to Melindrha, "As we do as well."

Melindrha nods to Rafano.

You ponder.

You nod.

You say, "At sunset."

Melindrha says, "Excellent."

Melindrha waves.

Salubrie nods.

Palliator Melindrha went through a red door.

Sensitive Salubrie went through a red door.

Rafano distractedly says to you, "Sorry if I was a bit quiet tonight . . . I was having the oddest headaches earlier."

You arch your eyebrow.

Rafano shakes his head.

You ask, "That's unfortunate, have they gone?"

Rafano distractedly says, "Eh, must be nothing . . . and yes they have."

You say, "The headaches, I mean..."

A meeting attendant looks around and says, "You need a larger crowd in here or I'll have to ask you to leave and free up room for others."

Rafano cheerfully exclaims to you, "Good turnout for you, anyway!"

You laugh!

You say, "I guess we'd better scoot."

Rafano nods to you.