Dance with the Spirits Part II 4.29.2020

****LOG of Dance for the Spirits Part II - Trabe Plateau - 04.29.2020, 8:00 PM EST****

Aaoskar says, "Thank you all for coming to the Arid Steppe. I will speak briefly before turning things over to Quentiana, a member of the Tribes."

Aaoskar says, "Months ago, we gathered to discuss what we call Dream Theory - the theory that our unconscious minds affect the Plane of Probability."

Dantia gives a slight nod.

Ferasha observes Aaoskar with fascination.

Aaoskar says, "Some of you might enjoy hearing another exhaustive examination of the theory, but I suspect that might put most of you to sleep. So I won't do that today."

Dantia chuckles at Aaoskar.

Rafano looks at Aaoskar, obviously trying not to grin.

Vervaine appears to be listening intently for something.

Aaoskar says, "The salient point in the theory is that, due to planar overlap, our unconscious minds can cause not only change in the Microcosm, where Moon Mages use Astral Travel, but in probability itself. The dreams that lie behind the conscious mind, which we ordinarily cannot truly control, can become reality and can alter probability."

You snicker.

Aaoskar says, "We need not discuss the level of danger faced by this plane if our proposition is true."

You nod to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "When we presented the Dream theory, we theorized that in entering a state where our unconscious mind can exert no influence on Probability, we will instead open our minds to hear the true whisper of Fate. By opening our minds and removing our bias, we may receive whatever messages Fate has for us instead of making selfish demands."

Ferasha leans forward.

Ferasha leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Quentiana gazes up at the sky.

Aaoskar says, "Many of our sects have traditions that would lend themselves to such a pursuit but given that the focus of our research of late has been the prophetess Nera, we felt compelled to start with the Tribes. I turn now to Quentiana, a, shall we say, well-seasoned member of the Nomads of the Arid Steppe to speak on how the Tribes transcend to release their unconscious desires and learn to hear the whispers of the Spirits."

Rafano glances at Quentiana.

Quentiana says, "I admit I do not know how to begin. I have never spoken to so many who are not of my tribe at one time. I wish to teach you of what I consider to be the deeper truths of the Nomads, of how we transcend the mind to better hear our ancestors. I think it best to start from the beginning."

Ferasha observes Quentiana with fascination.

Quentiana says, "You may know us as the Nomads or the Tribes, but we call ourselves the People. This windswept steppe is our home. Our history is a long one, marred by the violence of wars we waged against each other before we were united under the stewardship of a great leader, the man we call the True Kir. Although now united, we still retain our separate tribal identities."

Quentiana gazes at a large fire.

Quentiana gazes at Mistanna.

Quentiana says, "Mistanna knows this, too."

Quentiana says, "Descriptions of the tribes and some of their stories are easily found in the written word of your kind. But you can know every story of the People and still never understand us. It is through dance, through ritual, through soul-transforming visions, and by being at peace with the Spirits that makes us who we are."

Quentiana says, "When you understand the deeper truths of the People you, too, might begin to find peace with the Spirits."

Quentiana says, "The shamans of the Skindancers, the tribe of the True Kir and of Cherulisa, knew these truths. They, who felt most alive beneath the open sky, created a ritual dance born of ecstasy and pain to open their minds to the whispers of Fate."

Rafano gazes at Quentiana in amazement.

Dantia gnaws on her lip.

Quentiana puts her branch on a large fire.

Rafano gets a clear tessera from inside his thigh quiver.

Quentiana says, "You see, the People have their differences but all of us feel the moving of the Spirits in all things, even inanimate things. There is not this world and the spiritual world. They are one. Our ancestors are with us and we with them."

Ferasha ponders.

Rafano's clear tessera suddenly frosts over, twinkling brightly.

Vervaine nods.

Quentiana says, "We know these things to be true because we can hear their whispers and feel their presence. All the earth and the heavens, the rocks and the grains, the shadows and the sunlight, the rain and the wind, the stars and moons, and yes, even our ancestors speak to us and guide us, if only we pause to listen."

A large fire flutters slightly.

Ferasha gazes at Quentiana in wonder.

Quentiana says, "So many have convinced themselves that the Spirits have left us instead of realizing that they no longer hear the Spirits because they have covered their ears. And yet others insist that they speak to us, but only in rage."

Quentiana says, "Both are foolish. The Spirits were with us long ago and they are with us today."

Quentiana says, "From the words passed down to through the ages, from elder to younger, we know that the Spirits - and some say shadowmagi - whispered profound secrets to the True Kir, the bringer of Peace to the People. And even today, Cherulisa's eyes glaze over before she tells us secrets whispered to her, and when she does not know the answer to a question she tells us to ask it of the Spirits."

Quentiana says, "Truly, there should be no debate, because even those not trained to listen to the whispers of the Spirits can still feel their nearness through the Tenebrous Sense spell. Once under its influence, know that the movements you will see in the corner of your eye are not tricks, and the slickening shadows and sibilant whispers are not imaginary. They are real."

Quentiana frowns as she slowly rises to her feet, evidently suffering from pains common to old age.

Quentiana stands up.

Quentiana says, "I have been told that instead of listening to the guidance of our Ancestors that some attempted to draw the Spirits to the Obelisk at Taisgath to force them to speak, and sometime later attempted to thread fate upon itself to speak through the echoes of time. This is not the way."

Ferasha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Quentiana gazes at Aaoskar.

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

Ferasha glances at Aaoskar.

Quentiana says, "It surprises me not at all that the Spirits spoke harshly to you at the Obelisk. You cannot force them to comply with your demands."

Quentiana sighs.

Quentiana waves her hand distractedly.

Quentiana says, "I do not mean to be unkind. You and others crave the connection my people have come to know. We know that we must accept, not take. I will show you one way how."

Quentiana says, "Some ingest intoxicants to help release their unconscious desires in order to place their minds in a receptive state sufficient to receive communications from the Spirits. Others have communicated with the Spirits when close to death, including our Kir."

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Quentiana says, "As a young and troubled man, the Kir wandered off alone into the frozen wild. Several months later he returned to unite the People and end our wars, recounting tales of visitations from the Spirits and claiming that, for months, his physical body was sustained only by the truths he learned."

Quentiana says, "I will not ask you to go to such great lengths."

Quentiana grins.

Quentiana says, "Instead, we will gather here beneath the open sky to pursue a gentler path toward communion with the Spirits. In the coming days, when the full faces of Yavash and Katamba bring our Perception magic to its apex, we will perform the Oshu Sarhhtha, the ritual dance of the Skindancers."

Dantia gnaws on her lip.

Quentiana says, "Through drums, dance, and smoke, we will release our desires, both known and unknown, to open our minds and hearts to receive whatever message the Spirits would tell us."

Rafano gives Quentiana a slight nod.

Quentiana gazes at Aaoskar.

Aaoskar nods.

You smile.

Aaoskar says, "Thank you, Quentiana. I look forward to learning how to open our minds to Fate."

Aaoskar says, "A few words, if I may, before we end the gathering for this evening. We invite Moon Mages of all sects to attend our next meeting. If the Spirits do speak, we believe that those with an innate connection to probability may be most likely to hear."

Aaoskar says, "There may be some members of other guilds here who do not believe they need to attend the Dance for the Spirits. To the contrary, seekers of all kinds are welcome."

Aaoskar says, "For example, Empaths, who are highly attuned to the life forces of other living creatures, can help to provide attendees with a sense of ease. Rangers, too, with their deep connection to nature, are welcome. They, more than most, understand the need for unity with the spirit of the Wilds."

Rafano nods to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "Clerics, familiar with Spirits of other kinds, might lend their knowledge of the spiritual plane and help us to identify unseen entities through the use of the Revelation spell."

Dantia gives a slight nod.

Ferasha ponders.

Aaoskar says, "Bards can help us find the rhythm we need to complete our dance and may wish to evoke memories of the past to help us understand what we might see."

You ponder.

Aaoskar says, "And Paladins are welcome most of all for their pure souls."

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

Aaoskar says, "I thank you all for coming here today. Please feel free to pose any questions lurking in your mind."

Aaoskar nods to Quentiana.

Aaoskar nods to you.

Quentiana says, "Not much for words, this lot."

Rafano gives Quentiana a wry grin.

Quentiana chuckles.

Miskton chuckles.

Yvela tilts her head to one side.

Ferasha fidgets nervously.

Ferasha adjusts her silk uaro's'sugi into place.

Pormithius softly asks, "Well I'll start why are we all here?"

Aaoskar says, "I definitely want to thank Quentiana for offering this path of wisdom."

Kaelie grins.

Quentiana whispers something to Ferasha.

Kaelie says, "It's a lot to take in, for someone that is a first timer hearing it."

Rafano nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Gigondas nods to Kaelie.

Pormithius grins.

Quentiana says, "I am here because this is my home."

Quentiana chuckles.

Miskton takes a sip of his brandy.

Quentiana says, "But I hope you are here to better understand why the Dance of the People may help you better understand Fate."

Ferasha gets some dimity-lined celestial charts detailed with buttery yellow ink from inside her telescope case.

Ferasha gazes ponderously at her charts.

Ferasha ponders.

Aaoskar says, "It did seem only polite to go to the Tribes to ask for their help instead of insisting that they come to Crossing."

Quentiana grunts at Aaoskar.

Kaelie nods at Aaoskar, obviously agreeing with his views.

Quentiana exclaims to Aaoskar, "The dance is best performed here, under the skies of our ancestors!"

Ferasha gazes off into the distance.

Aaoskar nods to Quentiana.

Dantia whispers something to Rafano.

Quentiana says, "My people have kept many secrets, kept things to themselves."

Quentiana says, "It is time we shared."

Miskton says, "Plenty of open space seems like it would be useful, as well."

Ferasha glances at Quentiana.

Aaoskar asks, "Shall we join you?"

Pormithius softly says, "Ahhh."

Kaelie asks Aaoskar, "}Aaosk And when is this dance?"

Quentiana says, "I can show you one of those secrets now."

Quentiana says, "If you join me."

Ferasha joins Quentiana's group.

Vervaine joins Quentiana's group.

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Miskton joins Quentiana's group.

Dantia joins Quentiana's group.

You join Quentiana's group.

Gigondas joins Quentiana's group.

Yvela joins Quentiana's group.

Ferasha wobbles, looking a bit faint.

Pormithius joins Quentiana's group.

Kaelie joins Quentiana's group.

Ferasha kneels.

Aaoskar says, "In the coming moth when katamba and yavash are both full in the sky."

Rafano whispers something to Dantia.

Kehlbins joins Quentiana's group.

Ferasha stands up.

Elabela joins Quentiana's group.

Aaoskar says, "Month."

Rafano joins Quentiana's group.

Quentiana says to Ferasha, "Steady, lass."

Aaoskar joins Quentiana's group.

Ferasha looks at Quentiana and blushes.

Dantia nods at Rafano, obviously agreeing with his views.

Ferasha shifts her weight.

Kaelie says to Dantia, "This is either going to be fascinating or we'll need triage."

Elabela darkly says, "Please dont get me lost i can do that all by myself."

Dantia chuckles at Kaelie.

Elabela smirks.

Dantia rubs her hands together.

Ferasha grins at Elabela.

Mistanna joins Quentiana's group.

Quentiana says, "Alright, let's move slowly."

Quentiana nods.

You follow Quentiana west.

[Trabe Plateau, The Spire]

Broken crystal towers rise up from the grass, brittle and white as bone. The towers are massive, dozens of feet across and thrice as high. Yet despite their mass, they end in jagged shards and deep fractures, as though a giant had shattered the crystals. A large spire rises to the east, silvery-blue and undamaged.

Also here: Yvela, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Vision Sage Miskton, Daughter of the Dark Elabela, Starlight Titan Rafano, Carnage Darling Dantia, Child of Grazhir Aaoskar, Scaredy Cat Gigondas, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Dark Mystic Pormithius, Medium Ferasha who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Stargazer Vervaine, Kehlbins and Spiritualist Quentiana.

Obvious paths: northeast, east, southeast, west.

Child of Grazhir Aaoskar hobbles east.

Child of Grazhir Aaoskar just arrived.

Child of Grazhir Aaoskar hobbles east.

Child of Grazhir Aaoskar just arrived.

Elabela darkly says, "His doing what Porm was."

Aaoskar joins Quentiana's group.

You follow Quentiana west.

[Trabe Plateau, Western Edge]

Loose dirt and rocks cover the western edge of the plateau, which descends in a slope rather than a vertical wall of stone. The incline sharply drops down a few hundred feet to the steppe, where the debris turns into miles upon miles of grass.

Also here: Kehlbins, Stargazer Vervaine, Medium Ferasha who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Dark Mystic Pormithius, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Scaredy Cat Gigondas, Carnage Darling Dantia, Starlight Titan Rafano, Daughter of the Dark Elabela, Vision Sage Miskton, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Yvela, Child of Grazhir Aaoskar and Spiritualist Quentiana.

Obvious paths: northeast, east, southeast.

Elabela laughs!

You follow Quentiana southeast.

[Trabe Plateau, Southern Edge]

A seemingly endless plain of grass stretches out to the south, dotted sporadically by sparse copses of stunted trees. The wall of the plateau dips and forms a steep switchback path down its southern face.

Also here: Child of Grazhir Aaoskar, Yvela, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Vision Sage Miskton, Daughter of the Dark Elabela, Starlight Titan Rafano, Carnage Darling Dantia, Scaredy Cat Gigondas, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Dark Mystic Pormithius, Medium Ferasha who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Stargazer Vervaine, Kehlbins and Spiritualist Quentiana.

Obvious paths: north, northeast, northwest.

Pormithius grins at Elabela.

Pormithius chuckles.

Elabela darkly says, "I swear we are differently move like moon mage if it doesnt look like a star or moon we dont know which way to go."

Quentiana says, "Many who come here overlook this place."

Quentiana says, "Not where we are now, but there."

Quentiana points at a steep switchback path.

Spiritualist Quentiana's group wandered down a steep switchback path.

[Trabe Plateau, Steps of Arishalan]

Steps have been roughly hewn into the southern wall of the plateau, following a switchback route a third of the way down its face. Deep chisel marks have been cut into the rock above, still easily seen despite untold time and erosion. The steps end at a small ledge, on which a few long tufts of grass grow.

You also see a burned fire, a sealed archway and a steep path up the face of the plateau.

Also here: Medium Ferasha who is darkened by an unnatural shadow, Stargazer Vervaine, Vision Sage Miskton, Carnage Darling Dantia, Scaredy Cat Gigondas, Yvela, Dark Mystic Pormithius, Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, Kehlbins, Daughter of the Dark Elabela, Starlight Titan Rafano, Valta Varna Mistanna who is being harassed by an intrigue of phantasmal kittens, Child of Grazhir Aaoskar and Spiritualist Quentiana.

Obvious paths: none.

Ferasha's jaw drops.

Dantia grins at Rafano.

Miskton gazes at a sealed archway.

Aaoskar nods to Miskton.

Kehlbins examines a sealed archway.

Ferasha just touched a sealed archway.

Quentiana says, "This place, a secret place, known to so very few."

Elabela nods to Pormithius.

Dantia gives a slight nod.

Ferasha quietly asks, "What is this place?"

Quentiana says, "It is old, older than I am, to be sure. And I must tell you truly, I know not where this archway leads."

Quentiana says, "Moon mages, lay your hands upon it and focus on the archway."

Ferasha just touched a sealed archway.

You focus your magical senses on the archway.

While the archway itself is not magical, you detect two distinct patterns imbued into the iron seal, one Psychic Projection and the other Enlightened Geometry.

Roundtime: 10 sec.

Aaoskar just touched a sealed archway.

Rafano just touched a sealed archway.

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

Aaoskar says, "Psychic projection and enlightened geometry."

Miskton gets a worn leather astronomer's journal from inside his scholar's valise.

Miskton releases the clasp on his astronomer's journal and opens it.

Ferasha nods to Gigondas.

Pormithius nods.

Dantia examines a sealed archway.

Elabela examines a sealed archway.

Rafano examines a sealed archway.

Quentiana says, "All magic users can sense the magic within, but Moon Mages will understand it better."

Ferasha nods to Quentiana.

Yvela nods.

Vervaine just touched a sealed archway.

Ferasha shudders.

Quentiana raises an eyebrow.

Kaelie just touched a sealed archway.

Quentiana says, "Examine it closely."

Pormithius nods to Elabela.

Quentiana says, "The spirits are with us now, my friends. They know we are here."

Ferasha softly asks, "People.. have tried to open it, yes?"

Ferasha rubs a sealed archway.

Kaelie says, "I can tell very little about it."

Pormithius examines a sealed archway.

Rafano peers quizzically at Quentiana.

Dantia raises an eyebrow.

Kaelie whispers something to Dantia.

Aaoskar says, "I have tried to open it, i admit...i have tried many things and have failed many times."

Ferasha ponders.

Vervaine slowly empties her lungs.

Quentiana sighs.

Ferasha quietly asks Aaoskar, "You have tried pushing lunar mana through the seal?"

Quentiana exclaims, "The temptation is great, so great!"

Kehlbins shakes his head.

Aaoskar says, "Though it is possible that the spirits see things in me that they do not like."

Miskton knocks on a sealed archway.

Aaoskar says, "I have."

Pormithius whispers something to Aaoskar.

Quentiana closes her eyes and begins repeating a silly nonsense word, then shakes her head and sighs in frustration.

Quentiana gazes at a sealed archway.

Ferasha whispers something to Aaoskar.

Quentiana says, "Perhaps the secret lies here."

Quentiana just touched some chisel marks in the rock.

Quentiana says, "These markings."

Ferasha examines a sealed archway.

Dantia nods.

Pormithius whispers something to Aaoskar.

Elabela gestures at a sealed archway.

Rafano holds some chisel marks in the rock in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Quentiana says, "Arish'alan."

Ferasha glances at Quentiana.

Yvela ponders.

Kaelie asks, "Does anyone know what the mark means?"

Gigondas holds some chisel marks in the rock in both hands and closes his eyes in concentration.

Rafano gets a frosty tessera from inside his thigh quiver.

Aaoskar says, "I have searched all the libraries about Arishalan...i have found nothing."

A breeze stirs across the barren plateau, slowly picking up velocity. Tufts of grass blow in this cold dry wind, and you imagine you can almost hear voices.

Quentiana says to Kaelie, "Even I do not know."

Quentiana ponders.

Quentiana says, "Whispers in the wind."

You focus your magical senses on the archway.

While the archway itself is not magical, you detect two distinct patterns imbued into the iron seal, one Psychic Projection and the other Enlightened Geometry.

Roundtime: 10 sec.

Vervaine ponders.

Ferasha quietly asks, "Maybe we are not meant to know?"

Ferasha glances at Quentiana.

Aaoskar says, "Perhaps i am seeing things."

Quentiana asks, "Is there a Bard among us?"

Kehlbins says, "Knowing our guild it's just a fake arch with a metal plate and Arishalan is laughing his butt off watching people stare at it."

Elabela darkly says, "Some Bone dancers are Skra are they not from elder days? if that has truth in it. Perhaps , wording is found in their language."

Ferasha glances at Kehlbins.

Ferasha grins at Kehlbins.

Dantia chuckles at Kehlbins.

Quentiana says to Elabela, "Bonedancers."

Quentiana scoffs.

Elabela glares at Quentiana.

Aaoskar says, "I have never considered that, Elabela."

Elabela darkly says, "We have one of our guild in Leth im good friend with him .."

Elabela darkly says, "Moon mages know of him."

Ferasha cocks her head at Elabela.

Dantia grins at Kaelie.

Quentiana says to Elabela, "We take great risk, I must admit, in planning the ritual Dance to take place when Katamba and Yavash are both full."

Aaoskar's eyes go distant as he quickly forms intricate patterns in the air.

You recognize the familiar mnemonics of the Tenebrous Sense spell.

Aaoskar says, "Perhaps we should put up tenebrous sense."

Elabela nods to Aaoskar.

Rafano searches around for a moment.

Aaoskar gestures.

Yvela says, "This reminds me of a tomb. Perhaps Arishalan is someone who was laid to rest beyond the archway."

Elabela darkly says, "In order to know or understand anything within Sect halls , you least should know the Matrix of each moon .."

Rafano just tried to pull a sealed archway.

Rafano seems to be trying to figure out how to turn a sealed archway.

Ferasha glances at Rafano.

Quentiana says, "I must be forthcoming with all of you -- the spirits spoke to me moments ago. I could not be certain of what I heard, but I know they see us, and me."

Ferasha glances at Quentiana.

Ferasha blinks.

Quentiana says, "I sensed the spirits watching, curious and skeptical that I remember the way."

Dantia ponders.

Quentiana chants a few words in a low voice.

Quentiana begins to dance in rhythm with her chanting.

Miskton strokes his beard in thoughtful contemplation.

A light rain begins to patter down from above.

Quentiana gazes up at the sky.

Quentiana slowly spins about, arms outstretched, head turned skyward.

Spiraling about faster, Quentiana spins first on one foot, then the other, chanting the whole while.

Ferasha observes Quentiana with fascination.

Quentiana moves to one side, chanting and shaking her hips in a tribal rhythm.

You perceive Lunar magic clinging to Quentiana.

There are no spells on Quentiana.

Quentiana has no spell prepared.

Roundtime: 3 sec.

Miskton observes Quentiana with fascination.

Beads of sweat form on Quentiana's forehead, and her fair skin flushes. Her eyes cloud, glassy and distant, detached her face flattens into an expressionless shell. Each limb exhibits a resting tremor for moments as her body becomes rigid.

Ferasha's jaw drops.

A stunned Quentiana slowly tips over, falling on her face!

Quentiana shakes off the stun.

Yvela blinks.

Rafano glances at Quentiana.

You gasp!

Aaoskar gulps.

Vervaine tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

Dantia frowns.

The tremor of Quentiana's body exacerbates to spasmodic bursts of trembling, and Quentiana appears fixated, frozen in space, staring at the crystalline spires of the plateau as if transfixed.

Dantia stands near Rafano.

Ferasha shivers.

Kaelie stands near Dantia.

Ferasha fixes Quentiana with a frank, even stare.

Rafano moves over to guard Dantia.

Dantia nods to Kaelie.

Gigondas stands near Kaelie.

Kaelie asks Dantia, "You want to touch first or should I?"

Pormithius softly says, "I got a bad feeling about this."

Aaoskar asks, "Any cleric able to cast revelation?"

Quentiana remains still. Whipping through the evening sky, howling winds tear across the barren plane, wildly blowing at her white hair, the waxing moons at her back. Quentiana remains unmoved, until a look of terror contorts her features.

Ferasha softly says, "What is happene-."

Ferasha covers her mouth with her hand.

Dantia quietly says to Kaelie, "She might be not too pleased if we interrupt..."

Quentiana shakes off the stun.

Yvela frowns quickly

Quentiana gasps!

A cold wind tears across the barren plateau, resembling the chatter of thousands of formless words. You are able to feel the weight of them, though you cannot comprehend their meaning. Within the moment, you feel unimaginable sorrow settle upon you, and the attention of both formed and unformed minds -- until the whisper disappears, leaving you attentive only to the breeze blowing tufts of grass across the dry earth, and the presence of only your companions. Slowly, the breeze dies into nothingness, the words -- and the wind -- only a memory.

Slowly, Quentiana's clouded eyes fade, resuming their violet color her complexion returns to its normal pallor.

Ferasha gasps!

Ferasha covers her ears with her hands.

Dantia slowly empties her lungs.

Quentiana says, "The... the spirits."

Quentiana's eyes roll back in her head and she goes completely limp!

Miskton shivers.

Rafano blinks.

Ferasha kneels down before Quentiana.

Dantia gazes at Quentiana.

Ferasha quietly asks, "Empaths?"

Mistanna gazes at Quentiana.

Ferasha fidgets nervously.

Kaelie rests her hand on Quentiana's arm with a soft smile.

Dantia frowns.

You say, "I am astounded."

Your vision fades, revealing a large crystalline spire. Howling winds accompany the call thousands of whispers, as formless fragments of starlight and shadow coalesce from emptiness, rippling in waves resembling states of consciousness. Spirits assemble, speaking in incoherent tongues, slowly circling the object as it shatters. Cracks reveal myriad shattered futures, rent from their point of origin and twisting outward into a web woven from waxing ethereal threads, branching outward to resemble a tree. Two moons stand full, keeping watch above this newly-grown structure, as the din of whispers turns to silence, awaiting you to water its roots. Slowly, your sight returns to normal.

Aaoskar says, "She has achieved what i have failed at my entire life."

You blink.

Ferasha blinks.

Ferasha covers her ears with her hands.

Aaoskar says, "We have much to learn."

Kaelie whispers something to Dantia.

You say, "Oh my."

Ferasha quietly asks, "What.. what was that?"

Kaelie inhales a great swallow of air.

Quentiana stands up.

Dantia nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Kehlbins squints.

Quentiana says, "The Spirits spoke to me."

Vervaine ponders.

Miskton says, "That... might be the results of the upcoming plan."

Rafano thoughtfully says, "And to think . . . such a result even before the performance of the actual ritual."

Ferasha just touched a sealed archway.

[Moon Mage][Gopburpop] "well that was interesting"

The sky turns a thousand shades of scarlet and orange as the sun slowly sinks behind the scattered clouds and vanishes.

Kaelie says, "Not going to lie. I came here with a bit of scrutiny and doubt."

Vervaine shivers.

Dantia quietly asks Quentiana, "Were you able to make out their words?"

Quentiana says, "My friends, the Spirits showed me so much."

Aaoskar says, "We must seek with an open and pure heart."

Quentiana says, "Places I do not recognize, names I do not know."

Kaelie says, "But. Whatever that was. I'll be coming back. That was, mind bending."

Ferasha gazes at Quentiana in awe.

Ferasha glances at Aaoskar.

Quentiana says to Aaoskar, "No, you must not seek. You must learn to listen."

Aaoskar bows to Quentiana.

Quentiana asks Rafano, "You are a Trader, are you not?"

Rafano glances at Quentiana.

Kaelie says to Aaoskar, "I'm sure Maz will storm about and pound his fist, but our daughter Daeryean is a new paladin, I am sure she'd want to come to this."

Ferasha cocks her head at Rafano.

Ferasha glances at Quentiana.

Rafano slowly says to Quentiana, "I am, yes."

Vervaine appears to be listening intently for something.

Dantia raises an eyebrow in Kaelie's direction.

Ferasha stands up.

Quentiana says to Rafano, "I became aware that beings of Starlight and Shadow watched over me."

Aaoskar says, "We definitely need her, Kaelie."

Rafano gives Quentiana a slight nod.

Aaoskar says, "One thing is certain...when i tried to speak to them, they roared with rage...but quentiana's path has led us to this."

You ponder.

Rafano slowly says to Quentiana, "As I'm sure you no doubt know, the Arbiter has been described thusly . . . as a being of starlight."

Quentiana nods to Rafano.

Kaelie says to Aaoskar, "Well she'll be delighted at being "needed", I'll handle Maz and his furrowed brow."

[Moon Mage][Miskton] "We're out here on the Trabe Plaeteau, and seem to have gotten the attention of the spirits."

Dantia asks, "And we're sure this is a continued invitation to progress down the road you are exploring? And not a warning?"

Aaoskar says, "I appreciate that, kaelie."

Quentiana says, "My friends, we have their attention. We must earn their trust."

Ferasha nods emphatically at Dantia.

Yvela asks Quentiana, "You looked terrified by something, near the end of.. that. Was there something to be afraid of in what you were shown?"

Kaelie raises an eyebrow.

Kaelie says, "Yes, good question."

Quentiana says to Yvela, "The beings. I saw them watching me, and I felt their raw suffering and their distrust."

Kaelie nods to Yvela.

Yvela says, "I see. That's understandable."

Yvela nods.

Quentiana urgently says, "I cannot say this with more certainty - we must be pure of heart and open our minds."

[Moon Mage][Gopburpop] "hopefully the attention isn't hostile"

Kaelie asks, "So, wouldn't it behoove us to leave them alone and not draw out their distrust or anger?"

Dantia nods to Kaelie.

Ferasha quietly asks Quentiana, "What do you mean by that?"

[Moon Mage][Miskton] "For the moment, it does not seem to be."

Quentiana says to Ferasha, "We must perform the ritual dance with pure hearts."

Dantia chuckles at Kaelie.

Quentiana nods.

Kaelie winks at Dantia.

Ferasha inhales a great swallow of air.

Quentiana sighs.

Ferasha nods to Quentiana.

Ferasha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Quentiana says, "I am weak."

Aaoskar says, "So much to learn."

Aaoskar says, "It's a new way of thinking for me."

You rest your hand on Quentiana's arm with a soft smile.

Dantia chuckles at Aaoskar.

You smile at Quentiana.

Vervaine scans the sky, looking for portents and insight.

Dantia nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Rafano respectfully says to Aaoskar, "The results speak for themselves. Clearly your research has stumbled onto something here."

Quentiana scoffs.

Ferasha glances at Rafano.

Mistanna nods to Aaoskar.

Aaoskar says, "Perhaps..but it also shows that i too must learn to listen."

Kaelie nods at Rafano, obviously agreeing with his views.

Quentiana sternly exclaims, "HIS research? His? These are the ways my people have known for ages!"

Ferasha cringes.

Quentiana waves her hand distractedly.

Ferasha stands near a sealed archway.

Dantia carefully says to Aaoskar, "Not just learn to listen, but come with an open and pure heart. That might be difficult for many people."

Aaoskar says, "Fair enough, Quentiana. we are indebted for what you have taught us."

Yvela nods to Dantia.

Quentiana says to Ferasha, "Fear not, child. I've little energy left to rain my wrath down on anyone."

Quentiana smiles.

Rafano coldly says to Quentiana, "Clearly there's a bit of dust on those respected ways of yours, then, if the spirits regard you with such skepticism."

Ferasha smiles at Quentiana.

Quentiana sighs.

Ferasha gawks at Rafano.

Yvela says to Dantia, "That's sounds like a difficult quality to obtain.. let alone assure in others."

Miskton glances at Rafano.

Quentiana says, "No, no. He is right."

Dantia nods at Yvela, obviously agreeing with her views.

Vervaine covers her eyes with her hand.

Quentiana says, "Each of us, each Moon Mage, has sins to answer for,."

Miskton says, "Skepticism is rather better than most of our results so far, at least."

You frown.

Ferasha fidgets nervously.

Kaelie says, "I would safely say that not just moon mages have sins to answer for."

Vervaine nods in agreement.

Dantia nods to Kaelie.

Aaoskar says, "I need to be here. i want to be here...but fate calls me elsewhere."

You nod to Aaoskar.

You enfold Aaoskar in a warm embrace. A faint scent of papyrus clings to his skin.

Aaoskar signals his departure with a courteous bow, and then is simply gone -- in what direction, or by what means, you cannot say for sure.

Kaelie says, "However, I'm very intrigued by what may happen. And I'll talk to Daeryean and tell her to contact you."

Quentiana says, "I must rest soon, too. Before I leave you all, I wish to share with you part of what the Spirits showed me."

Ferasha gazes at Quentiana.

Dantia gives a slight nod.

Yvela tilts her head to one side.

Quentiana chants in a soprano voice:

 "With each breath, you become aware of the presence of the spirits of mountains and rivers, the whispers of the Tivshowldh and the Liirewsag calling to you -- embracing your being -- welcoming you home to the Steppe. In the distance, you can feel the Sawstwar Lake, and the warmth with which Kertigen forged the Dwarves. The moonlight radiates across the pointed Spire, and you feel a resonance of the Dor'na'torna shard at its apex."

You say, "I do not know those places at all."

You ponder.

You say, "Except the Spire."

Quentiana rubs her head.

Ferasha quietly says, "Therengia.. headed towards Muspari, if Im not mistaken."

Quentiana gazes at Ferasha.

Ferasha shifts her weight.

Quentiana says, "No."

Kaelie says, "Doesn't sound like familiar land to me at all."

Miskton says, "The Liirewsag is one of the rivers that feeds the Sawstwar Lake, here in Forfedhdar."

Ferasha ponders.

Dantia nods to Miskton.

Ferasha nods to Miskton.

Ferasha quietly says, "Aye, you are right, I mistook the names."

Quentiana says, "The Tivshowldh Mountains have long been considered cursed."

Dantia raises an eyebrow in Rafano's direction.

Quentiana says, "Perhaps the legends are wrong."

Ferasha quietly says to Quentiana, "Common folk nearly always refer to magics they are not familiar or comfortable with as 'curses'."

Quentiana nods to Ferasha.

Ferasha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

Quentiana gazes at a sealed archway.

Quentiana says, "Perhaps we should dance here, on the edge of the Steppe."

Quentiana sighs.

Kaelie nods at Ferasha, obviously agreeing with her views.

Ferasha gazes at Quentiana.

Ferasha just touched a sealed archway.

Quentiana says, "I know not. I am tired."

Rafano nods to Dantia.

Quentiana asks, "Can one of you guide my old bones up the path?"

Miskton says, "Of course, I'd be happy to."

Quentiana joins Miskton's group.

Medium Ferasha wandered up a steep path up the face of the plateau.

Vision Sage Miskton's group wandered up a steep path up the face of the plateau.

Stargazer Vervaine wandered up a steep path up the face of the plateau.

Kehlbins wandered up a steep path up the face of the plateau.

You exclaim, "Incredible!"

Yvela slowly empties her lungs.

Rafano nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Kaelie asks, "Does anyone else need a drink?"

Rafano says to you, "Fascinating."

Kaelie casually observes the area.

Dantia chuckles at Kaelie.

Kaelie says, "Cause after that I could use shots of just about anything."

Yvela nods to Kaelie.

Dantia grins at Rafano.

Kaelie says, "Darkstone whiskey would hit the spot."

Kaelie chuckles.

Rafano chuckles at Dantia.

Yvela says, "The.. manifestation was rather disturbing."

Yvela just touched a sealed archway.

Kaelie nods to Yvela.

You say, "I'll take a drink."

Dantia inhales a great swallow of air.

Dantia slowly empties her lungs.

Rafano respectfully says to you, "I look forward to seeing the ritual performed."

Dantia quietly says, "I still worry that we are dabbling in an area where we do not understand the rules. But I suppose that is always the case with such experiments..."

Dantia sighs.

You grin.

You nod to Rafano.

Rafano nods to Dantia.

You exclaim to Dantia, "The thrill of the unknown is so invigorating!"

Kaelie nods at Dantia, obviously agreeing with her views.

You say, "I cannot wait."

Mistanna waves.

Kaelie says, "Well, I'll be here to make sure if the bodies hit the floor we can heal them at least."

Rafano wryly says to Kaelie, "The most important part of any experiment."

Kaelie says, "But mostly because that was the most fascinating thing I've seen in quite some time."

You chuckle.

Kaelie grins at Rafano.

Yvela says, "I do want to see where this leads, now."

Yvela nods.

Rafano nods at Yvela, obviously agreeing with her views.

Kaelie nods to Yvela.

You say, "I can open a gate to the Crossing, I think, if my beam still holds."

Dantia nods to Yvela.

Dantia asks Rafano, "Are you ready to return to Crossing?"

Dantia takes her rightful place beside Rafano.

Yvela turns her gaze to the sky for a few moments.

Rafano nods to Dantia.

Kaelie says, "It's certainly a path I will continue to follow, albeit a little more carefully now that I saw that look of terror."

Images of streaking stars falling from the heavens flash across your vision as you quickly form the patterns of the Moongate spell.

Rafano says to Dantia, "Yes, I think that's enough revelation for one night."

Kaelie asks Dantia, "May I join you all back?"

Dantia nods at Kaelie, obviously agreeing with her views.

Dantia exclaims to Kaelie, "Of course!"

Rafano smiles at Kaelie.

Kaelie joins Rafano's group.

Kaelie hugs you, and you wrap your arms around her with a warm smile.

You gesture.

A fierce blue-white glare forces you to avert your eyes for a moment. When it subsides, a blue Moongate stands before you, rippling slightly.

You peer through the Moongate...

[The Crossing, Hodierna Way]

The hustle of crowds making their way between the secular and religious centers of town that converge here carries you along with its momentum. The granite and marble facade of the First Provincial Bank catches your eye, standing before you as solid as its name. A Gor'Tog guard armed with pike and crossbow is posted at the door, while a few well-dressed merchants congregate outside.

You also see a big orange sign with a picture of a smiling Dwarf and a large parchment.

Obvious paths: east, southwest, northwest.

You grin.

Starlight Titan Rafano's group went through a blue Moongate.

Yvela says to you, "Thank you."

Yvela went through a blue Moongate.