The Wild Hunt

Standing upon Night's Needle.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. It is uncomfortably hot. Crafted from red chitin, and perched on the top of the Black Tower in a manner eerily reminiscent of the crown of the King of Redcaps, this structure clearly dates from a different time to the building beneath. No walls enclose the space, which is unadorned except for a engraved circle in its centre divided into segments. Around its edge, eight pincers rise from the points where the chords which delineate the segments meet the circumference, their tips raised in wicked salute. A circular brass astrolabe stands here atop a pedestal, inscribed with a ring of degree markings. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand.
You see a single exit leading down.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks his eyes a few time as he steps through the darkness, then looks at Rancoura, quickly offering a bow.

Rancoura's head dips briefly to you. Her gaze is plainly focused upon you, but still her countenance seems distant, recent events evidently still entrapping part of her attention.

As though noticing his presence after a delay, Rancoura offers a small bow of her head to Xenthos as well.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, opening his mouth to speak before stopping his thought and changing to another. "Ehm, hello ... do not know details of what you saw, but," He steps forward, stopping just a couple feet from Rancoura as he elaborates, "heard from Esei that there was a thing, that stung them and they had visions. And said that something similar had happened to you, here, in the tower..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Am filling Rancoura in on details of what saw."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard settles down at Rancoura's feet, looking up at her.

Rancoura nods, meeting your gaze, but only half-seeing you. "Aye," she whispers, and though her soft voice echoes within the shadows clinging to the Needle, it seems far away. "Insectoid creature, perhaps; but not visible. Only... felt."

A soft breeze passes over the gnarled and broken branches of the Glomdoring below, granting a brief reprieve from the stifling heat and bring with it the scent of the wyrden foliage below.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, then nods, pulling his cloak tighter over his shoulders as the wind whips about.
You blink.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops, looking out over the Needle and to the forest below.

Rancoura stirs with a slow blink, her chin rising a fraction as she catches the noticeably stronger wyrden aroma rising to the lofty heights of the Tower's apex.

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders towards the edge of the Needle, careful to not stand too close. "...was almost visible," He explains, mandibles clicking. "Was at the river, nearby? Just outside of forest. And then, it was in the water, before me."

Still watching the plantlife closely, you say to Rancoura, "But, also... on, my back, behind. And, it sort of clicked... clicked, like me, but also not like me. Was different sound."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles clickclick twice against his face, though the noise is muffled against the breeze.

A chilling breeze caresses your face as Mother Night's shadows swirl about the forest below the Black Tower.

Rancoura drifts to your side, inspecting the foliage below as well, particular attention given to the waters of the small lake below; her focus seems clearer now. "Did it harm you?" she asks you quietly after a moment, her whisper strangely carried easily on the breeze.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 3rd of Avechary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 17 days until the New Moon

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "'You hear a strange flutter from deeper within the library, the faint blur of something moving by quickly just at the edge of your vision.'" <--meanwhile a few floors below us

You have emoted: Gurashi joins Rancoura's intense staring, eyes trained on the water. "Not in same way that Esei said did. They said it was like sting on back, but it..." He bobs his head side to side. "Made feel dizzy and like was going to pass out."

Tightening his grip, you say, "Every time that tried to see it kept making a -noise- like a clickclick, but also like was trying to breathe, was so -loud- but kind of muted? And then ...asked what it was, and -then- it started -really hurting- inside head. Kept asking 'what am I' over and over and over, and then Tridemon showed up and then was -gone-."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a moment to turn away from looking over the Needle's edge, examining the platform they're all gathered on. "And then, after little while, Lord Silence showed up. Well, showed - not really, but, was there."

Glancing at you with an intensity that is tangible despite the briefness of the look, Rancoura whispers, "Yet He spoke naught?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head. "Not right away," He gestures to his back. "He showed up while Tridemon was still present, and was poking and prodding at back where the... thing was. And then, just like that, He left - was like was looking for."

The faint cry of a sassy crow echoes off in the distance. <--#SASSY CROW 2020

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head as he holds gazes with Rancoura. "So tried to follow Him to see if could help, but, lost Him... but found the thing again on the bridge."

His expression blank, you say to Rancoura, "Was strange ... was like, could hear in the water, gurgling and sputtering - could even see the water rising, but could not see it... and, then was behind me, again. And then, was more than just one, or two. Was many, and many many more."

Rancoura's eyes narrow for a moment as her gaze is drawn back out to the Glomdoring, head tilted at the particular sassiness of the corvid's call before she turns to you once more.

A chilling breeze caresses your face as Mother Night's shadows swirl about the forest below the Black Tower.

Leaning forward and shivering with the breeze, you say to Rancoura, "And then as they were all surrounding, closing in, so close could feel but still could not see - He plucked me out and put back in Glomdoring."

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Rancoura, Gurashi.

Not seeming too bothered by the crow, raising his hands, you say to Rancoura, "And told to be careful of prey that hunt ...but, did not say what was hunting, or, what have been seeing..."

Gently, you say to Rancoura, "Did not give visions like you or Esei saw... but it understood me."

Esei tells you, "Did you hear a crow? Perhaps see where it went?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "...h-heard the crow, but, we did not see..."

Esei tells you, "I see, I see..."

"Ahh," Rancoura whispers thoughtfully, drawing the sound out, as a faint, nigh fatigued sense of comprehension tinges her fair countenance. "I see."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together. "...am sorry if leaves more questions for, b-but, was first time that had sensed... Lord Silence in, so long, and this month He is..." He trails off, "back."

Turning her back to the edge of the Needle to regard both you and Xenthos in equal measure, Rancoura's hands fold as she resumes her custom stoic, yet elegant poise, all sense of distance vanished. "I believe I know the base of what we are encountering," she whispers, her irises a light violet.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi gasps aloud, raising his hands to cover his mouth. "You do?!" He whispers, voice muffled.

Stray rays of sunlight reflect lazily off the surface stone of the Black Tower while the cool shadows swirl within the confines of the Tower.

You think to yourself: Poor Lord Silence...

You think to yourself: What has been suffering through...

Pausing to draw a deep breath, eyes closing as she inhales the lingering scents of the Heart of Darkness, Rancoura nods, faintly. Focusing upon you both once again, she speaks in a melodic cadence. "[[REDACTED]]"

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, confused. "[[REDACTED]]??" He asks lightly, antennae twitching. "...how would be here...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands find one another again, nervously wringing together as he casts a nervous glance about the platform, gazing towards the forest below.

With a particular lingering gaze upon you as she looks between you both Rancoura , whispers, "I request that you both refrain from sharing this information with any beyond the Glomdoring. [[REDACTED]]"

Xenthos nods his head in acknowledgement and acceptance of Rancoura's request.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, though he looks confused. "Will keep secret to Wyrdenkin..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...for, rather."

Looking up, blankly, you ask, "By....?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Rancoura, "What ... should we do in the meantime? Last time that saw one , was outside of Glomdoring, which means others will probably encounter soon... too... maybe?"

Her tone sombre, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "[[REDACTED]]"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at you.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Thusfar, to our knowledge, they have appeared to myself, Childe Esei, and yourself, Exemplar."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...but, do not have very big ties to Lord Silence..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Neither Ilistala or I have seen a sign of the creatures, thus far."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Is first time that have even seen sign of Him in ... years!"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Rancoura in disbelief, then quickly looking over his shoulder towards the forest.

Rancoura whispers, "My and Esei's connections to the Silent One are evident. And you, Exemplar..." she trails off, contemplating you thoughtfully as wintry fires swirl steadily behind her violet gaze. "Perhaps you bear more of a connection to Him than you may realize."

You have emoted: Gurashi's carapace turns a light shade of red, reaching up to rub the back of his head in an awkward silence.

You think to yourself: Does not feel that way ...

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "WELL THAT TOOK A TURN."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "The crow turns to take flight, glancing back at you and uttering a final "CA-!", its cry cut short as something that both does and does not have a shape slams into violently, both disappearing deeper into the woods."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, ""A loud CRUNCH and then gurgling noise is all that you hear before all falls silent once more.""
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "OH."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "THAT'S IT."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Do I become the first 5 minutes of a horror movie."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "AHHHH IT'S IN THE WOOODS."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Ah... there may be a presence rampant in the Forest."

You blink.

You glance about alertly, your antennae twitching as you scan the immediate area.

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "Oh?"

(Glomdoring): You say, "Where?"

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Indeed. It just ate a crow at the Drums."

Xenthos tilts back his head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout. <--and off he go

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Rancoura, then makes a beckoning motion.

Rancoura begins to follow you.

Meshwork of plants.
It is warm and quite pleasant. A tiny trail, barely two feet high, runs along the ground through the dense foliage. Broad leaves of saplings and ferns twist together into a knot of clutching undergrowth. Vines and brambles are draped across the path, hanging down and across at the worst moments to snatch at anything passing by. The foliage constantly rustles with the movements of small creatures, and the sound of birds is loud and harsh against the wind. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Amid the twisting plants, the Drums of the Dead wait patiently here to answer the call of Glomdoring. There are 2374 shadows crawling over the drums. A large skeletal tree's remains stand here erect, covered in a large spider web strung between the tree's finger-like branches. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A wiccan broom floats here, vibrating with energy. The shadow of a crow circles around the ground like an inky shade. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand. Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield an athame dagger of dusk in their left hand.
You see exits leading southeast and southwest.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps in quickly, followed by Rancoura. "What did see?" He asks Esei hurriedly.

(Glomdoring): Razhril says, "Does anyone need anything?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard approaches one of the brambles, apparently sniffing after the scent of recent death.

Bizirik, the leothin stays close to Gurashi, a soft rumble rising in its throat before it falls silent once more.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Mm. Come join us at the Drums, perhaps we can find more of what these creatures are who lurk in the woods."

Evette greets Razhril with a sincere smile.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Razhril says, "Greetings."

Esei inclines their head politely to those around them.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Esei, frowning.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to those around her.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Esei, "What precisely did you see?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard looks up from the brush, examining Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves about the clearing, carefully approaching the border between the drums and the nearby stagnant pool, eyes trained on the water.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Esei.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I first saw the crow within the annex of the library, which then flew away and began to taunt me. Eventually my search led me here, to the Drums."

Evette chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "... crow..."

You ponder the situation.

You think to yourself: Is here ...

You think to yourself: Or... is it?

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It perched on a branch, again taunting me, before it made to fly away. A... almost a force slammed into the crow, knocking it into the brush nearby."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I heard a crunch, and, well."

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

You think to yourself: It DID come back to Glomdoring...

You stare implacably at Esei.

Evette blinks.

You think to yourself: It ... or, they?

You have emoted: Gurashi rests his hand on a nearby tree, turning his attentions towards the outlying areas of the clearing.

You think to yourself: ...what are they?

Ilistala, an enormous leopard returns to her investigation of the crow's disappearance, but eventually returns to the Drums having found nothing.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose says to Esei, "Were there any other sounds besides the crunching...?"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

You think to yourself: Or ... who.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...gurgling."

Evette ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back towards Rancoura, mandibles clicking thoughtfully.

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Xenthos, Razhril, Evette, Esei, Gurashi.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Somewhat similar to what we heard within Lord Nocht's realm."

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Esei.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Drawing her gaze away from the Drums, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Esei, "Insectoid in nature, at all?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Rancoura, "I didn't quite... see it. It was a not-presence."

A crumbling loamadore dives back into the soil, leaving only loose earth to mark its passage.

Showing that she understands, Rancoura nods her head slowly.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Similar to what we have seen recently, in some manners."

Evette ponders a crumbling loamadore thoughtfully, looking him up and down.
A crumbling loamadore turns slowly away from Evette.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I wonder."

Xenthos steps over towards the bushes Ilistala was searching amongst, and deposits the corpse of a freshly-slain spider there.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Xenthos.

Esei blinks.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Xenthos.

Xenthos steps away from the corpse, returning to the group.

Quietly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We can see if it is still around, at least. It seems to move along rather quickly, though."

Esei nods solemnly.

The foliage rustles to the southeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.
A thorn beast knocks Esei off their feet with a well-placed tendril.
Esei stands up and stretches their arms out wide.

Esei gives a pained sigh.

A thorn beast has been slain by Xenthos.

Xenthos tosses the thornbeast back over his shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Xenthos closely, keeping near to the edge of the clearing.

Esei murmurs softly to themself.

You think to yourself: ...will even come out....?

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Amidst the jingling of bells, small portals open up over the Basin of Life, out of which float down chubby little gnomes in red suits. <--WHY

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose asks Esei, "Did it try to harm you in any way?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Evette, "The crow? No, it was focused on sassing me specifically. The Presence was rather focused on the crow."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose asks Esei, "Do you think the crow was sassing you to get your attention?"

Rancoura exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Esei ponders the situation.

The rowdy notes of a drinking song, faint at first, then rising to the undisputed intensity of a Dwarf On A Mission, herald the arrival of Ironbeard the Magnanimous who casts his beam of a smile about himself as he arrives.
Ironbeard the Magnanimous hiccups and says, "Special people like Evette deserve something special on special days." <--This %$&#ing guy...

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Evette, "Th- that would be a very roundabout way."

You have emoted: Gurashi completely ignores the chaos of Ironbeard's arrival, continuing to stare off towards the drums.

You think to yourself: Every time has been seen... peoples were alone.

You think to yourself: Is scared of big groups....?

The screeching of a crow echoes through the dark woods, sounding almost like harsh laughter.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Evette, "But aye, that would be quite an... interesting way to get one's attention."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose says, "I wonder if it wanted to be found, or if Esei finding it is what caused it to lose it's focus and."

Suddenly, musically, loudly through the clearing, you sing, "Hellooooo~o~o?"

Evette trails off her question.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately falls silent, folding his arms across his chest and staring at the drums, as if waiting for something and completely unembarrassed.

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates you.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It was rustling some scrolls in the library beforehand..."

You have emoted: Gurashi clears his throat. Okay, a little embarrassed.

Evette flashes you a joyous smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tense shoulders begin to relax a little, and more and more embarrassment creeps into his expression.

The flutter of wings sounds overhead as you see a very chastened looking crow disappear into the shadowy branches of the forest.

Rancoura raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Evette chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Gazing after the fleeing bird, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Or perhaps the crow was not eaten after all."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose whispers, "I wonder."

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts. <--they ran off for a minute

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "I would suggest we search for the little one. It may be beneficial to learn why it seeks our attention so."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares after the crow as it flutters off, mouth still just barely open as he watches.

<--Esei returns!

Esei tilts their head curiously.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Rancoura.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...it's alive?"

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Esei, "A rather chastened-looking crow flew overheard and disappeared into the boughs."

Evette nods her head emphatically.

Comprehension flashes across Esei's face.

Rancoura drifts away through the trees, searching the branches and skies above with each delicate step.

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

Esei ponders the situation.

Evette ponders a blackthorn sapling thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares blankly at the drums, then too drifts away, folding his arms over his chest.

**And so we split up!! Seeking one (1) crow and one (1) voidbaby/clickbait/shadowkin????

Softly, calling out, you sing, "Hello~o~?"

The shadow of a crow seeps in from the northeast.

You tilt your head curiously at the shadow of a crow.

The shadow of a crow seeps off to the southwest.

Gently, you ask the shadow of a crow, "Is it you...?"

You tilt your head curiously.

The shadow of a crow seeps off to the northwest.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Softer still, you sing, "Hellooo~o~o..."

You crease your brow in a frown.

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "It may be best to keep an eye out for this presence as well as the crow."

Along the lake.
Thick, gossamer strands of spider webbing are strung through the air, clinging to the surfaces of trees and rock alike from a shield shrine of Viravain nearby. It is warm and quite pleasant. The water is brown and murky, and flecked with algae and pond-weed. Flies buzz across the surface, evidently attracted by the stench that rises from the stagnant pool. Beneath the surface, strange shapes of white marble can be seen, perhaps the remnants of statues or other ornaments that may have decorated the mere. The water is perhaps forty feet across, the far bank equally lined with trees. Off in the distance, a large black tower stretches straight upwards, reaching above the treetops for the sky. A mature hemlock tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and southwest.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses at the edge of the lake, regarding the waters warily.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 4th of Avechary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 16 days until the New Moon

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "I have heard the gurgling sounds once more, and believe I am near."

**runrunrun**

Thick shrubs.
There is but a light breeze blowing. As the trail continues the branches become closer until they are wrapped tight around each other. Shrivelled leaves twist around skeletal branches, blackened ferns jostle with nettles and knotweed. Thin birches and aspens shoot up above the undergrowth, struggling to reach what little sunlight exists. The thick brush makes it difficult to continue along the path, although small trails reach outwards in several directions. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A platinum stocking has been hung here. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield an athame dagger of dusk in their left hand.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and west.

Evette puts her fingers in her mouth and lets out a high-pitched whistle.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Heard it...?"

A twisting shape that both is and is not twists in the air here, circling through the shrubs slowly. Several crow feathers inexplicably attached to it. At the sudden arrival of so many it twists in upon itself, vanishing.

You blink.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "It does not enjoy company, evidently."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Perhaps spread out...?"

Evette ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae sink a bit.

Rancoura nods her head at Esei.

Evette nods her head in agreement.

You think to yourself: Am sorry if scared...

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Esei, Xenthos, Gurashi.

You have emoted: Gurashi raises a hand, then gently begins to plod off towards the northeast.

**Irriguous thicket.**

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Helloo...."

**Contaminated stream.**

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the water, then towards the trees, tilting his head.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Hello...?"

**Fledgling oaks.**

You have emoted: Gurashi weaves in and out between the young oak trees, squinting between the trunks.

**Convalescent woodlands.**

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Helloooo~o~o~."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs heavily, shoulders sagging.

**Hillside forest.**

Softly, you sing, "Helloooo little crow... or... friend-to-be."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

**Marshlands.**

Almost cheerfully now, you sing, "He-llo~."

Esei tells you, "I believe I saw the crow again. It did not like my presence."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Eh? Where??"

Esei tells you, "Here."

Woodland incline.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. It is warm and quite pleasant. The track climbs this hill through the woodlands. The ground slopes steeply away to the west, the willow trees grasping desperately to keep their grip on the slope. Smaller pines and oaks are dotted across the trail as it rises upwards. Saplings and ferns are mixed together with nettles and knotweed to form dense thickets to the east. To the northeast, a mud track dives into the thick undergrowth, whilst the main hillside trail leads uphill from northwest to south. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A solstice stocking has been hung here. The hulking form of a carrion beetle stands here.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and northwest.

Esei tells you, "It fled."

You crease your brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi plants his hands on his hips, looking perplexed.

A starving deer enters cautiously from the south.

Faintly buzzing, you ask a starving deer, "Do not suppose you have seen a crow around, have?"

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Xenthos pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "If only would shooooowww."

Xenthos begins to follow you.

Looking to Xen, you sing, "We are splitting uuup."

<-- Xen leaves

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "And so heeeerre..."

"Clickclickclick..."

Trailing off, you sing, "Aaam..."

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head forward, tilting it in the direction of the sound.

Plucking the lute, you sing, "...and so, are, you?"

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Xenthos pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

Xenthos begins to follow you.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard chirps happily at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't respond to Xenthos's arrival, staring with wide eyes towards the woods.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Near."

The sound vanishes, fleeing deeper into the woods.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Was here."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares in the same direction as you.

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Which one?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "It just fled deeper into the woods."

You have emoted: Gurashi strikes the lute with a gentle albeit sour note. "The clicking."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "The crow?"

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head.

You see the following people here:
Evette, Xenthos, Gurashi.

**Tip of the rise.**

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Am soooorry if scared you!"

**Sheltered bank.**

You have emoted: Gurashi stands at the edge of the river, looking out towards the water as he continues to softly pluck the lute.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Seems like, have a thing to say~."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward, peering into the water suspiciously.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "So ...click away?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, looking down at his lute, adjusting his chords and finding a happier sounding one.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Any updates?"

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "I haven't been able to find anything."

**Dense thicket.**

Faintly buzzing, you sing to the shadow of a crow, "Hello, hello~."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Not from me, I am afraid."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Lady Rancoura? Are O-K?"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the crow flutter off, tilting his head.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "I have seen naught further."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to play as he wanders about, watching the shadows about himself.

**Near the wetlands.**

Squishing through the mud, you sing, "Am so, glad, that are visitiiing."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Am thinking."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "And since are still heeeeeere~ then, must like Glomdoriiiiing."

You have emoted: Gurashi plays a noisy, happy note, staring off into space.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs, looking disappointed as he continues his search.

You think to yourself: Was so close.

**many rooms later**

High banked river.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A light cover of clouds hides the sky in a sheet of white. The turbulent water runs swiftly between two walls of mud and tree-root. White spray fills the air with a light mist that makes everything wet to touch. Grey and brown branches float on the rivers surface, whilst more dead matter drifts quickly past the banks.
You see exits leading east, south, southwest, and west.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs noisily, still strumming his lute.

Soft, almost tired, you sing, "Hello~o~o~o."

You suddenly scoop up a glittering black rose.
A thorn upon a glittering black rose pricks your finger, and a drop of blood is absorbed into the stem.

Wincing as he takes the rose, you say, "Oops."

You tilt your head curiously at the shadow of a crow.

You sing a song of joy at the shadow of a crow.

The shadow of a crow seeps off to the southwest.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps carefully about the woods, wincing and continuing the play.

You think to yourself: Do not know where went... maybe am too far...

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Please come out..."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Please do not be scared of."

Swaying as he walks, you sing, "Am probably least scariest peeeerrrsons."

**River bank.**
There is no wind to speak of, and all is completely calm. A silver stream runs swiftly from east to north across the woods. Tall elm trees grow wide and bushy, interspersed with smaller maples and beeches. Here and there, clusters of knotweed and nettle form thick bushes that are impossible to penetrate. The harsh caws of crows sound distantly over the running water. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A rowan sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A glittering black rose pushes up from the ground here.
You see exits leading north and west.

With a bit of a chitter, you sing, "Come forth, my chittery friend."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Or... friend to be."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops playing, looking increasingly frustrated.

Softly, you sing, "Is O-K..."

**many MORE rooms later**

Slow running water.
The loud, echoing caw of crows permeates the air, filling the area with a feeling of dread from a war shrine of Viravain nearby. A light cover of clouds hides the sky in a sheet of white. Twisted oaks provide shelter for this small, pure stream as it flows perpendicular to the only clear forest path. The water is clear and pure as it moves through the roots, splashing past small stones and rocks. Black and brown mosses coat the banks, and fungi grow in abundance around it. Small gossamer cobwebs are scattered here and there amongst acorn cases and toadstools, signs that some animals must exist in a place where there is neither sight nor sound of any living creature. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air.
You see exits leading northeast and southwest.

Xenthos begins to follow you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, ""You feel a few rays of sunlight fall upon you through the branches, the heat warming your face.""
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Unless they added new ambients I'm gonna be suspicious."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "@ ianir did you add new ambients to give me a heart attack."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Ianir told me: Yes."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."
(The Shadow Kindred): Evette says, "Lmao."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "WHEEZE."

Softly, you say to Xenthos, "No suck luck... was so close."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks out at the woods sorrowfully, then plays a ditty on his lute, as if to relieve his frustrations.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops strumming after a while, though the note carries out across the woods, eventually lost among crow calls and wind.

(Glomdoring): You say, "All are O-K?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Aye, I am so far."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Anything new? Alive and well?"

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Testing something, based on a hunch. Otherwise, fine."

You peer at Xenthos unscrupulously.

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "I'm alright, nothing new to report."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nudges you suggestively.

You tilt your head curiously at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Reassuringly petting the leopard's head, you ask Ilistala, an enormous leopard, "What is it...?"

You think to yourself: Feel like am only getting more questions.

You think to yourself: And no answers...

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares into the forest beyond.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Are going to have to put up with my singing, then!"

You have emoted: Gurashi plays the lute, staring at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Rancoura got another visionnn."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "So did Esei."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, ":U."

Swaying as he searches, you sing, "Two peoples is not scary~."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Two peoples is just one more peoples than ... just oooone."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "So, am headed back to the scene of the crime!"

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Where crow disappeared but came back... in... due time."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Really, am not a fan of making things... rhyme."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Because are too many words to use."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "So am, pretty, easily confused."

Meshwork of plants.
There is no wind to speak of, and all is completely calm. A tiny trail, barely two feet high, runs along the ground through the dense foliage. Broad leaves of saplings and ferns twist together into a knot of clutching undergrowth. Vines and brambles are draped across the path, hanging down and across at the worst moments to snatch at anything passing by. The foliage constantly rustles with the movements of small creatures, and the sound of birds is loud and harsh against the wind. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Amid the twisting plants, the Drums of the Dead wait patiently here to answer the call of Glomdoring. There are 2380 shadows crawling over the drums. A large skeletal tree's remains stand here erect, covered in a large spider web strung between the tree's finger-like branches. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here.
You see exits leading southeast and southwest.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "And so that is why are back at scene of crime."

You have emoted: Gurashi plays a short ditty on the lute, then waves his hands jazzily.

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at you.

Quietly, you ask, "No good?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at you.

You blush furiously.

You think to yourself: Weird things happening... weird crows and weird... creatures.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs, staring at the drums with a heave of his shoulders, turning his back to Xenthos.

After a while, you say, "Boy are a lot of confusing things in world."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Like oranges." <--I hate that I missed this lmao Xen

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Esei as they enter, holding his lute to his chest wistfully.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Disappointed, you say to Esei, "Am sorry could not help."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Could not find it again. Was there for moment, but..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Tis alright."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Mean, figure it is still nearby..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But ... can't see it so."

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs, resting his chin on the top of his lute's neck.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "There are more days."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "...more days?"

You blink.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "To search?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Esei, confused. "Mean, of course are... oh."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Esei raises an eyebrow at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to look at the drums, nodding in understanding.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...perhaps Lady Viravain may know more about the crow?"

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Esei, then looks back at the drums with a little sigh.

Esei raises an eyebrow at you.

The foliage rustles to the southeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room. <--like 4th or 5th time coming/going

Esei tilts their head curiously at a thorn beast.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks a thorn beast, "Are you perhaps looking for something?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head slowly as the thorn beast leaves, swaying to some melody only he hears as he continues to hold his lute close.

Xenthos points Kiakoda's Eternal Wand of Apocalyptic Stars at a thorn beast, blasting him with twisting tendrils of black energy.
A thorn beast is blown apart by twisting tendrils of black energy.
A thorn beast has been slain by Xenthos.

Evette blinks.

Esei stares implacably at Xenthos.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose whispers, "Did we find something new?"

Xenthos shakes his head.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Not sure?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...I felt the sun on my face."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "But that was all."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Well."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "That's bound ot happen yeah?"

Esei gives a pained sigh.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Out side a few areas like aorund the."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Master."

A thorn beast peers about himself unscrupulously.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "You expect a ray or two of light get get in."

You peer at a thorn beast unscrupulously.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Uh."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "What."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*laugh*."

LOOK BEAST
This creature appears to have been woven together from the brambles and vines of the forest. It is about the size of a big cat, and the weaving of its roots and tendrils give it the impression of four legs and a head. Sharp thorns form a serrated maw, whilst longer twigs create the impression of sharp claws. Loose tendrils whip above its body, ready to strike and spear its enemies. Where eyes should be, a dark, black mist swirls, almost glowing with twisted energy.
A thorn beast is quite powerful.

You stare blankly into space.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Was someone impersonating a thorn beast."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "The beast is dead."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "So no."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "So then what was that."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "We adapt."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "And the forest does as well."

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "... someone revived the thornbeast."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "To have it emote at us."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Haha."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "I WAS GONNA SAY."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "THAT HAPPENED."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Someone -brought it back to life-."

**more room searching for beast**

The foliage rustles to the northeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.
Long tendrils shoot out from a thorn beast, wrapping themselves around your body.
You are afflicted with entangled.

You have writhed free of your entanglement.

You play a minor third on a wooden lute engraved with spiders and direct the soothing notes towards a thorn beast.
A thorn beast cocks his head at you and listens intently to the tone.

You look about in confusion.

You stare implacably at a thorn beast.

A thorn beast sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

You tilt your head curiously at a thorn beast.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a thorn beast, "...h-hello..."

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Wait!"

**chase!**

Long tendrils shoot out from a thorn beast, wrapping themselves around Xenthos.
Turning his head to the south, Xenthos summons a sparkling wind that whooshes in from the south and burns away the ties that bind him.

You play a minor third on a wooden lute engraved with spiders and direct the soothing notes towards a thorn beast.
A thorn beast cocks his head at you and listens intently to the tone.

You look about in confusion.

A thorn beast stares implacably at you.

You stare implacably at a thorn beast.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a thorn beast, "...uh."

Tylwyth greets a thorn beast with a sincere smile.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at a thorn beast.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a thorn beast, "..hello..."

A thorn beast stares implacably about himself.

You flail about helplessly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a thorn beast, "...are uh..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask a thorn beast, "...doing well?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the beast with wide, confused eyes.

A thorn beast pauses.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "It is ... staring at me."

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...wait!"

Xenthos tells you, "And running away."

**chase!**

The foliage rustles to the northeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.
Long tendrils shoot out from a thorn beast, wrapping themselves around your body.
You are afflicted with entangled.

You have writhed free of your entanglement.

You play a minor third on a wooden lute engraved with spiders and direct the soothing notes towards a thorn beast.
A thorn beast cocks his head at you and listens intently to the tone.

A thorn beast twists its vines, long tendrils sliding past each other as the creature stretches.

Out of breath, you say, "Why are running!"

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

You flail about helplessly.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "How is so fast!"

Xenthos tells you, "It's at the Drums."

**Meshwork of plants.**

A thorn beast knocks Xenthos off his feet with a well-placed tendril.
Xenthos stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Hands raised and out of breath, you say to a thorn beast, "Wait."

You play a minor third on a wooden lute engraved with spiders and direct the soothing notes towards a thorn beast.
A thorn beast cocks his head at you and listens intently to the tone.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a thorn beast, "...please!"

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Auuugh!"

You flail about helplessly.

**CHASE GDI**

A thorn beast snarls at Tylwyth, tendrils coiled and ready to pounce.

You play a minor third on a wooden lute engraved with spiders and direct the soothing notes towards a thorn beast.
A thorn beast shakes his head, ignoring the soothing tone.
Long tendrils shoot out from a thorn beast, wrapping themselves around Tylwyth.

Whirring sounds as Tylwyth touches a button on the side of his mechanical goggles, the lenses darken and become refractive.
Focusing the light towards a thorn beast, mechanical goggles send out a ray filled with bursts of steam and beams of holy light.
Tylwyth has scored a CRUSHING CRITICAL hit.
A thorn beast has succumbed to the death stare of mechanical goggles.
A thorn beast has been slain by Tylwyth.

You stare implacably at Tylwyth.

Xenthos looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Somehow the corpse of the thorn beast looks impossibly sad.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says, "Well, that puts an end to that."

Esei smirks.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the corpse blankly, then covers his face.

(The Shadow Kindred): Tylwyth says, "Somehow the corpse of the thorn beast looks impossibly sad."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Yes, we were RPing with it."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "And you killed it."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Lol."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*laughing*."

Tylwyth gives 3 corpses of a thorn beast to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the corpses, looking mortified.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Put it on the Drums."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I could eat them."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Xenthos, perplexed, then at Tylwyth, shocked. With little hesitation he sets the corpses upon the Drums and steps away, grimacing.

The empty eyes of the corpses look back at you - accusatory, lifeless stares.

Evette reaches over and ruffles Ilistala, an enormous leopard's hair fondly.

You have emoted: Gurashi twiddles as he steps back, waiting to see if the drums do anything for the corpses.

You drop a palm sigil.
You drop the corpse of a thorn beast.
You drop the corpse of a thorn beast.
You drop the corpse of a thorn beast.

You stare blankly into space.

Quickly, you say, "Do not take them please."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nudges the corpses of the thornbeasts.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the corpses... then begins to play a sad little tune, sighing.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares at them, waiting to see if anything changes-- but they remain quite dead.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Have never seen one do that before... feel awful..."

Esei stares blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to play, though the sound is low and sad. "...what should we do?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...they seem to be accumulating."

Xenthos sets about digging a deep hole. He is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and he places the corpse of a thorn beast inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Esei stares implacably at Xenthos.

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

After a moment, you say to Esei, "...sorry - accumulating...? Oh, mean the ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures sadly to the thorn beasts as they are buried.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Now they shall nourish the forest."

Esei nods their head at you.

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Xenthos, then back at the thornbeast graves.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...Lady Rancoura has experienced some more visions and the like with the..."

Esei peers about themself unscrupulously.

You think to yourself: ...but, was smart.

You stare implacably at Esei.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Esei gestures vaguely.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "...the thing?"

Esei nods their head at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally breaks his gaze off of the drums, the graves, and ceases his playing.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "...when? is O-K?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...it has wings now."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Just now."

You blink.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...if we all come in, it will flee."

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

Esei stares implacably at you.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 5th of Avechary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 15 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi thoughtfully strums his lute, narrowing his eyes.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So... everyone chase it now?"

A wry smile spreads across Xenthos's face.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly shakes his head. "No!"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Whatever it was, Lord Nocht and the Lady of Serenity found it."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Or Awoke it. Quite probably both."

Esei ponders the situation.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "One Esei tells us that you are conversing with the... uhm, thing - we will not crash in and scare it off, but if need help... call us! Are very close!!"

You nod your head at Esei.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "Have any encountered the peculiar crow after it departed from the Drums?"

(Glomdoring): You say, "Ah ... no ... but can look for it again!"

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "Not I."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I have not- only a thornbeast behaving oddly."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "I did see it, but it was displeased at seeing me again and quickly took flight."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "And then dying."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Oh, yes! There was a thornbeast ..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Just told her that we will not crash into room and scare off the thing, but that are nearby and to call for if needs help."

Esei nods their head at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods to himself, mandibles clicking.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...I could check the library again."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Should look for the crow!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Is how we can help!"

Rancoura tells you, "I am not certain I would describe the interaction as "conversing," but it did behave far less aggressively. [[REDACTED]]"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "R-really...?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Split up and find a crow with attitude?"

Rancoura tells you, "Aye."

**WE SPLIIIIT UP Except Xenthos came with me**

You bow respectfully to Brennan Stormcrow.
Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Useless creature! Drop this where you find the shadows of Crow's children and take them to the Drums of the Dead that we might be protected from our enemies! If you are lucky enough to receive a gift from a child of Crow at the Drums, take it and place it within the Ravenwood!"
Brennan Stormcrow hands a shadowcatcher web to you.

You chitter at Xenthos with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Fastest way to catch a crow that can think of."

You have emoted: Gurashi studies the web in his hands, looking exicted.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "O-K ... gosh... can actually, -see- it...? Does hurt to look at??"

Rancoura tells you, "I could not perceive it properly, no, but it does appear to have... wings, if crude ones."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Wings..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Did... show another thing? In your head? Or has just been present, like was with me?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Is why you and Esei can have visions ... but did not give any to me? Maybe?"

Rancoura tells you, "I believe so."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Oh ... you said is not aggressive ... it seemed confused when was talking to it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Whatever do, do -not- ask what is."

Rancoura tells you, "Mm. Did it cause you pain after such a question?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "-Immensely-."

Rancoura tells you, "I see."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Have never felt like that before, so please do not do."

Rancoura tells you, "Duly noted, Exemplar. I am grateful for the warning."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Do not want to see get hurt."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Am glad is ...'conversing' with."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "If is something that Lord Silence is after, then ... would be good to know how to keep."

Rancoura tells you, "That, I believe, [[REDACTED]]"

**run run run**

*Catches Crow #1*
You have emoted: Gurashi peers into the web. "Hello?"

*Catches Crow #2*
You have emoted: Gurashi stops to check the web again, peering inside. "Hellooo?" He offers at either bird.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard attempts to caw like a crow.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Come heeeere crow."

You have emoted: Gurashi checks the net once more, waiting to see if any response will rise from the birds.

*Finally Catches Crow #3*

"Ahah!" you exclaim triumphantly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Hello, new friend..."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the net, blinking.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Brazier keeps changing..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They keep moving."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the device, looking at the beam of light it emits.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Caught them all... heck."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "O-K... here goes..."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens up the net, releasing the crows onto the drums and stepping back.

You drop the shadow of a crow x4
The shadow is drawn to the Drums of the Dead and begins crawling redolently among them, leaving behind only a single black crow's feather.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi carefully collects each feather, examining them close before looking at the drums. "....uhm."

You have emoted: Gurashi waits, as if expecting the crow to pop up from the shadows like it had before.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "....must not have caught it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "It is still occupying you...? Are still A-O-K? Knock twice on brain if are not O-K."

Rancoura tells you, "No, the vision faded some time ago."

Wringing his hands together, you say to Xenthos, "What a long month..."

Xenthos nods his head in agreement.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Aye, it has been."

Among the crows.
Arms of white smoke unfurl lazily, carrying away the sweet aroma of herbs from a healing shrine of Shikari nearby. There is but a light breeze blowing. A ring of trees surrounds this open copse, their branches stretching skywards in a tangle of shadowy black. Dotted here and there with the leafy tufts that mark the nests of birds, the trees themselves seem to come to life, rustling and shifting as their avian inhabitants hop from bough to bough, soaring and landing with chirps and squawks. At ground level there are myriad of statues of all sizes and all crows. From one nearly so large as Crow himself to a dozen or more even smaller than their living counterparts, each is fashioned perched upon its own carved pillar, most at waist height or above. One or two of these appear to be unoccupied and a closer look reveals that some of those perched among the obsidian are not made of stone. A mature rowan tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

A subtle shifting of the shadows draws your eyes to the evanescent form of Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian, whose lazuline eyes gaze at you contemplatively from the darkness.

You have emoted: Gurashi enters, staying by the entrance and offering a little bow.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Are interrupting?"

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

Rancoura gently shakes her head, evidently in the midst of examining the various crows roosting amongst their stone-carved counterparts. "I have been searching for our small, mischievous crow," she whispers.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips as she glances at a plush doll of Crow.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips as she glances at a vicious, magpie crow.
A vicious, magpie crow turns his back on Rancoura and pointedly ignores her.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales loudly. "Just tried to find - even shadows, but could only find four of those..."

Rancoura nods her head at Tylwyth.

You have emoted: Gurashi drags a hand across the top of his head, dragging back his antennae. "Even considered asking Crow if knew where was, but then thought..." He stares at nothing, "no, should not do that."

Musingly, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "He would likely know, all the same."
You blink.

Boggling, you ask Rancoura, "Think should ask...?"

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Perhaps."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "The choice is yours, Exemplar."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Grovel before him."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mean..."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "He might give you a vision."

You have emoted: Gurashi drags his hands down his face.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Would be bothering him...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously looks between those gathered.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "That's literally how I got my three quests for my fingerblade."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "And he didn't seem bother then."

You stare implacably at Tylwyth.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I wouldn't hug him."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "But beseeching him for a vision isn't disrespectful at all."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers Tylwyth for a good, long while, then looks towards the entrance to the clearing thoughtfully.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The Darach is correct."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I have long been a member of the Murder of Crow."

Clarifying, you say, "So, have to grovel before him..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "And ask if... knows where that crow-that-lived, might be?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about again, doubtful.

Rancoura begins to follow you.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "It might not work."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I dont' claim to know His Mind."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "But I woudn't disrregard the idea entirely."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...have asked Divine for things before ... is just like that..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Only ... very, big bird..."

You stare blankly into space.

**Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.**

You have emoted: Gurashi drums his hands on his thighs, staring up into the branches of the Master Ravenwood. He looks over at Xenthos, as if waiting for permission.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I shall stay here for now."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Am not sure if he wan'ts us all or jus gurashi?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs, then looks to Rancoura and Xenthos, relaxing a bit. "...mean, is better to have backup."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Well, I could come if you want."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tylwyth, "Is up to you."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back up into the branches with renewed bravado.

You reach upwards and concentrate on finding a sturdy branch, then lift yourself up with relative ease.
In a nest above before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. An enormous, putrid crow's nest stands here atop the totem pole below. A glistening black egg is nestled here within the branches. The gigantic form of Crow is perched on a nearby branch here, his dark shadow spreading across the ground and his single eye glowing a deep red. A vicious, magpie crow flies here with wings spread. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see a single exit leading north.

Crow spreads his wings and caws at you, filling you with confidence and pride.

You have emoted: Gurashi manages to find his way up into the tree with much more ease than previous endeavors. He looks at those gathered, unsure, before sinking to a knee and bowing his head before Crow.

Rancoura remains a distance behind you, eyes closing as she bows her head respectfully to a plush doll of Crow.

Rancoura looks up into the air for divine inspiration. <-- my favorite emote of the entire night

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Rancoura lmao."

You grovel pathetically in the dirt at Crow's feet.

Bent over in an uncomfortable groveling position, you say to Crow, "U-uhm... was wondering, if could help us locate a crow within... or, near to, the Glomdoring, Great Mister Crow, Sir."

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks increasingly uncomfortable, after a long while peeking up to Crow himself, flinching.

You think to yourself: Do not think is working.

You think to yourself: Are going to have to find crow for selves...

You twiddle your thumbs.

Looking over his shoulders, you whisper, "Do not think wants to tell us."

Rancoura tells you, "Did aught occur upon grovelling?"

You shake your head at Rancoura.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Ok."

Showing that she understands, Rancoura nods her head slowly.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "That could be true."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "But at least your tried."

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly pushes himself back to stand, stepping quickly away from Crow and joining the others. "Maybe wants us to find for selves."

Tylwyth nods his head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Or maybe has a Crow code..."

You stare blankly into space.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Could be."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "I shall take my leave, then. Be well, Exemplar, fel'Greev, Darach -- and continuously watchful."

Rancoura inclines her head politely to those around her.

You nod your head at Rancoura.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "Many thank yous..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Be well."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I should be away, myself."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Walk in shadows."

Rancoura's head lowers again to Brother Crow, and she makes her way down through the boughs with a practiced grace.

You wave goodbye.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "I shall head down for now."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Let me know if stuff happens."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

You have recognised Xenthos for: For some fun roleplay and creative approaches to seeking out the clicky beast and sassy crow and the thornbeasts!!

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Is all going to be O-K."

Rancoura tells you, "Such may not be true for all of us, but we shall endure. As we always have. Fare well, Exemplar."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "...O-K."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Be well."

You have been recognised by Xenthos for: Oh I forgot about recognize, but my gosh Gurashi and the thornbeasts.  So sad.  We were about to meet the very first thornbeast who would have become the saviour of its kind, lifting them from beast-hood and into sentience, and now... they shall remain as they are, forever lost to respectable behaviour.
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