Announcing a plan to Experiment on Adan'f

436-03-10 - Announcing a Plan to Experiment on Adan'f

Eyst says, "Alright, I generally like to wait to see if we have any late comers before beginning, but I have more business tonight and will have to be brief."

Eyst says, "Ah, Lagu. Very good to see you."

Lagu says, "Sorry I'm late. Rough Walk."

Eyst says, "Now, to begin with I would like to describe two creatures to you all."

Eyst dramatically says, "On the very doorstep of Shard there dwells a tribe of fearsome monsters. Even now they are prowling the Whistling Woods for prey on which to perform dark blood rites upon."

Eyst says, "Some would say their form is a twisted mockery of the S'kra. Whatever cunning and intelligence they have is put only to vile pursuits. Though they have been defeated time and again they remain a threat to the city and province as a whole."

Eyst says, "And another kind of creature. Mere beasts, they were the victims of magic incomprehensible to them. Held in thrall by sadistic masters who forced them to bear burdens and die in war."

Eyst says, "These masters were not content with their slaves and worked unknown magics to change the beasts. Gifting them with intelligence and magic while creating chains forged of sorcery and brutality."

Eyst says, "The masters wished to use their slaves as chaff for their war efforts. Despite this their war was lost, and these creatures abandoned. Left imprisoned in a corrupted wilderness they survive with dark magics still present in them. They are still locked in a constant struggle with their master's enemies."

Lagu slowly asks Eyst, "Are you sure you're describing two different groups?"

Eyst says, "Now, depending on how much you know of this region's history and whether I have managed to relay it correctly... you probably have figured both creatures I speak of are the Adan'f."

Lagu says to Eyst, "Well played."

Eyst says to Lagu, "I am rather transparent."

(Qihhth's tail twitches minutely.)

Eyst says, "Of course my intent was to show two perspectives of the same thing. Neither may necessarily be completely accurate."

Xelten says, "If you are as fine an author as you are an orator, then Volume Two is yours to pen."

(Qihhth moves to the edge of the gathering, though still in range to hear all that is said.)

Eyst says, "I hope to highlight that those who are our enemies need not necessarily be, if circumstances are different. Recent efforts in understanding and helping the Kra'hei, who we now know are merely S'kra afflicted in some similar manner to the Adan'f shows this too."

Qihhth says, "A moment, forgive me. I shall return."

Lagu thoughtfully says, "The magic digs deep..."

Eyst says, "Understanding is the key and while we know something of the history now of the Kra'hei and Adan'f, we still know very little of their curses."

(Lagu seems about to go on, but shakes his head and remains silent.)

Xelten says, "It is not without precedent. They have initiated discussion of peace before. Likewise, it has been shown that relief from their bindings is possible. Unfortunately, the former was merely the spark which led to fouler deeds, and the latter was but a consequence of necromancy."

Eyst says, "We know they continue to inflict injury on the Kra'hei, that they keep the Adan'f imprisoned. That they caused great transformation in both creatures. And so I have proposed experimentation."

Lagu asks Eyst, "For clarity, the 'they' of whom you speak are...?"

Xelten says, "Dzree's faction."

Eyst says, "The curses of both creatures."

Lagu says to Xelten, "I thought as much, but good to have it clear."

Xelten says, "Well, our gnomish friend is being a bit more specific, I think."

Lagu says, "Aha."

Eyst says to Xelten, "I do worry that such things might be necessary if we are to effect change in either of our subjects, but part of my proposed experimentation is the use of many different talents."

Xelten asks, "Do the kra'hei propagate in an otherwise natural fashion?"

Eyst says to Xelten, "I believe so, unlike the Adan'f. As many similarities we have found there are certainly differences."

Eyst says, "We discovered a matriarch among the Kra'hei, which implies some familial system."

Vikhhran softly says, "It's my understanding that they're under the effect of some form of generational curse."

Vikhhran softly says, "Which also implies a familial system."

Lagu dryly says, "Or at least the capacity for generation."

Xelten says, "Whereas the Adan'f are created only at the hands of magical manipulation, usually by other Adan'f. Or so we have been led to believe, at least."

Xelten says, "A word of caution. There have been changes in the Adan'f since Vigther's reign began, if he still even reigns, and there is no telling what your experiments will unravel. I would advise seeking cooperation from the Tower before, as they say, poking the hornet's nest."

You say, "If we had an Emerald Knight or two at the ready, I should think that would do us well."

Eyst says to Xelten, "Our plans are already in motion at this point, though I will keep that in mind for the future."

Xelten says, "You will find Cierzen is surprisingly cooperative, though his own history with the Adan'f may color his demeanor."

Eyst says, "A subject has been procured and our intentions at this point are to run a battery of tests involving the talents of Moon Mages, Empaths, Clerics, and some others more esoteric."

Qihhth asks, "And what can you mean by this? Traders?"

Eyst says to Qihhth, "Well, if any are in attendance that believe they can provide a unique insight then certainly."

You say, "Thieves have a certain kind of otherworldliness about them, as I recall."

Xelten asks, "When you say... a subject?"

Eyst says, "I believe if we are to create a comprehensive base of knowledge to work with, then we must welcome many different viewpoints."

Eyst says to Xelten, "I mean one of our attendants has captured an Adan'f. We should be able to restrain it and will be performing this near enough to the Whistling Woods that I don't believe they will come to harm."

Xelten says, "You have done your research."

Lagu lightly says to Xelten, "I don't think anyone will ever reproach Eyst with doing insufficient research."

Eyst says to Xelten, "If you're familiar with the cairn which is along the path into the Whistling Woods, that will be our staging ground."

Eyst says to Lagu, "Very much appreciated. I do try to be thorough."

Xelten says, "There is a certain degree of recklessness to this endeavor, but as it so closely intersects with my own current research on a related matter, and as you seem to be accounting for more factors than I would credit an ordinary individual... I suppose I look forward to joining in this collaboration."

Qihhth asks, "If you insist upon involving Necromancers, why do you not simply invite Xerasyth? Perhaps he would enjoy catching up with old friends, and after all, he has firsthand experience, does not he? Does anyone have his direction?"

Xelten says, "Through your intended irony, there is the fact that Xerasyth is every bit as likely to assist with the experiment as he is to revive Sidhlot's flaying magic in retribution."

Eyst says, "Honestly I wish we had his insight into the Adan'f. Though of course I seriously doubt he would aid us even if any among us knew how to find or contact him without being in mortal peril."

Qihhth says, "I did not mean to suggest --."

You say to Xelten, "Risk is a way of life for my people. I personally find that rewards are far more savory if there is a challenge. There is no passion in playing small."

Lagu dryly says to Eyst, "From what little I've heard, he ain't much given to altruism. Not even towards those who share the predicament from which he... I suppose escaped, is the word."

Vikhhran softly asks, "Not sure who this Xerasyth is, but if it has expertise in the Adan'f and there may be a chance it can help...why not?"

Vikhhran softly says, "Unless, like you said, he's hard or unable to be contacted..."

Eyst says to Qihhth, "I figured as much, but the truth is we are dealing with dark magics and as such the perspective of someone learned in them is invaluable. I understand working with them is distasteful but I believe in this instance it will be worth it."

Xelten says, "Xerasyth is... so deliberate that he can be perceived as nothing but wild."

(Lagu drums his fingertips together pensively.)

Xelten says, "Of course, he could be standing here right now in unrecognizable fashion."

Xelten says to Vikhhran, "There is no way to know that you are not he."

Qihhth says, "He is not here."

Eyst asks, "Well, as I said I have to be brief. I don't wish to stifle any more conversation you all might have but are there any questions about the proceedings that I can answer?"

Qihhth says to Eyst, "I hope you are doing what may be done to safeguard anything you may learn."

Lagu says to Eyst, "You mentioned the talents of Moon Mages. Can you be any more specific as to what you would need? There are some capabilities I can muster that would require some preparation."

You say to Lagu, "Aaoskar has a bit of a plan."

Qihhth says, "There are several hidden persons watching us even now, and I am not sure there have been any precautions taken."

Lagu asks you, "Usually does, don't he?"

You say to Lagu, "Aye, true enough. But more than he will be needed. I will aid him as I may, and I'm certain you can, too."

Xelten says, "A few necromancers. No doubt they have good reason for their intermittent stealth."

Eyst says, "They would be able to speak on it better, I have to rely on you and them knowing the best use of your talents."

Lagu asks, "I'll have a word or ten with Aaoskar, then. What sort of time frame are we looking at?"

You quietly say to Lagu, "Perhaps I can take you aside in the guildhall and explain."

Xelten asks, "I take it you have no other students of Natural magic prepared to participate?"

Qihhth says to Xelten, "Without careful cooperation, it is not given that Xerasyth does *not* lie in wait, or some other person with ill intent."

Lagu says to Qihhth, "That is never a given. Ever."

Qihhth says to Lagu, "I have yet to meet anyone who can hide their life from me."

Eyst says to Xelten, "Only Empaths. If we have rangers in attendance and they believe they can help then I'm certainly open to their contribution."

Lagu asks Qihhth, "If you had done, how would you know?"

Xelten says, "Rangers cannot help with this sort of thing. Fortunately, I am different."

Qihhth says to Lagu, "It is an axiom."

Eyst asks Xelten, "In what manner?"

Xelten says, "I can see the forest despite the trees, I suppose."

Vikhhran softly says, "That's true, disembodied voice..."

Qihhth says, "Paranoia, or discipline? I do not wish to waste my gifts or squander the favor of Ushnish."

Eyst says, "Well, I think that will have to be all from me."

Xelten says, "I look forward to your experiment."

Lagu asks Eyst, "When do you propose to act?"

Eyst says, "Roughly a week hence."

Eyst says, "Hope you all manage to make it. Thank you for attending tonight regardless. Good evening to you all."

Vikhhran softly says, "Warm winds, all."

Vikhhran softly says, "Stay safe."

Qihhth says, "May Ushnish scourge your foes."