to awake a Spirit - part one

Feathers rain down from above as Crow shifts uncomfortably about the branches of the Master Ravenwood.

You blink.

You furrow your brow in thought.

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Master Crow...?"

You reach upwards and concentrate on finding a sturdy branch, then lift yourself up with relative ease.
A shadowlord widowrider says, "Farewell, child of the dark forest."
An illithoid scourge says, "Dark blessings, forest dweller."

In the trees 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. A ball of mistletoe clings to the tree branches here. 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. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here.
You see a single exit leading north.
Crow spreads his wings and caws at you, filling you with confidence and pride.

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at Crow.

Crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

Looking much like his smaller namesake, Crow appears as a bird with a sharp beak and black feathers that sheen over with a dark mauve iridescence. However, mighty Crow himself is larger than a wolf and has a doubled set of wings, each with a span reaching over thirteen feet. One eye has been scooped out, leaving a dark and empty socket, so that the bird needs to cock his head towards whatever catches his interest in order to focus on the subject with his remaining eye. Glowing a deep ruby red, his gaze gives the illusion of piercing straight through whatever Crow's eye rests upon, the gnarled talons as sharp as knives and easily able to tear into flesh and bark alike. A palpable aura of darkness radiates around Crow as light retreats from his presence.
Crow does not even register your presence as a threat.
He weighs about 471 pounds.
He are loyal to the Free Forest of Glomdoring.
You cannot see what Crow is holding.
It has the following aliases: crow, bird.

Crow casts his one eye about the area in confusion, fixing Aleyah with a stare as his head begins to droop.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "What's wrong, Dear Crow?"

Kindly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Do you need help with your feathers?"

Crow grows still, his head beginning to droop more before he suddenly starts, cawing angrily and flapping his great wings.

The angry cawing of Crow echoes throughout the forest.

You furrow your brow in thought.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Ooh, I think he's getting sleepy the way the Fae did..."

You nod your head at Aleyah.

[Rancoura and Rhenna enter.]

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...if it's at all relevant, in my supplication at the archway, I was told to wait for a wound to appear..."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...this might be an important opportunity."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks confused and says, "A wound?"

Crow snaps his beak angrily, glancing around as if for some unseen intruder, his feathers ruffled as his eye slowly begins to close once more.

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

Aleyah hops from foot to foot, visibly agitated.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I'm sure it will reveal itself in time."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He seems to think something's there."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "He who?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It looks like he's looking for something?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Dear Crow!"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Oh, right."

Rancoura's head bows before Crow, her ephemeral, shadow-mist wings spreading with a faint susurration with the gesture. Following Crow's gaze, she examines the ground below and the surrounding boughs as well, gaze darkening.

Rhenna kneels onto one knee, demonstrating her humility and respect.

Quietly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Could something be happening in Faethorn itself?"

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "Brother Crow appears to be searching for an unwelcome guest within the forest. Be alert."

You chew on your lip thoughtfully.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Possible. If so, there could be a connection to the sleeping fae."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "He also seems to be dozing off, and given the news, I wonder what that means.... He doesn't seem to appreciate his sudden fatigue."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna says, "Should we set up demesnes, then?"

The sharp sound of a twig snapping echoes behind you.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "Such measures would do no harm, Nascent one."

Crow flaps his wings weakly, opening his beak to 'caw', but no voice is heard. He blinks once, then twice, before his one eye finally closes shut and does not open. His wings droop to the side, and the bulk of his body collapses onto the branches of the Ravenwood as he seems to fall into a deep slumber.

[Xenthos and Aurik enter.]

You furrow your brow in thought.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Uncle Xenthos..."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Crow fell asleep."

Crow remains motionless, save for the rising and falling of his body with each deep breath.

You furrow your brow in thought.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What of the Avatars?"

(Glomdoring): Rhenna says, "I've secured the northwest forest, where the beetles scurry."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Perhaps it would be best to contact the Mother of the Wyrd; She shall likely be more aware of the extent of Her Crow's condition."

You nod your head at Rancoura, showing your acceptance.

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I will try. Lady Viravain? Something is happening to Dear Crow, and I cannot tell what it is. If You have any thoughts, we would welcome them."

Kneeling humbly, Aleyah presses her palms together before her and closes her eyes momentarily as she prays devoutly to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns.

You furrow your brow in thought.

[Goes to Ethereal, checks the Aspects of Crow, they're fine.]

In the trees 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. A ball of mistletoe clings to the tree branches here. The gigantic form of Crow sleeps here, his dark shadow spreading across the ground as his eye remains closed. Eddies of glittering flecks of ice swirl around the graceful form of a resplendent snow phoenix with wings of amethyst frost. Patient as death, Mochara, the bearded vulture waits here, eying her surroundings. Aleyah is here, perched upon Aurik's shoulder. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. He is surrounded by a deflection bubble.

You think to yourself: But what is making them sleep?

Softly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Crow, "I'm very worried. What woke the Fae last time?"

You say, "He awoke by himself."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "He was searching for an intruder before he fell to slumber, yes?"

You nod your head at Aurik.

You say, "As though seeing something we could not."

You furrow your brow in thought.

You say, "Perhaps... Seeing."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Yes, it looked as much. His eye darted around, and He kept snapping His beak."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I am going to ask Brennan- in the past, Brennan has interpreted and shared Brother Crow's dreams with us. Some of the slaugh have been affected, but not many thus far."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He seemed quite agitated."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I'll be right down, I would like to hear this as well..."

Glaring upwards, Brennan Stormcrow produces a cudgel from within the branches and reaches upwards, poking the boughs of the Ravenwood.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "An idle thought - have we a Dreamweaver? They are practiced in matters of unnatural slumber, and can go unnoticed to most but not all. Perhaps Crow's Eye detected something similar."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Brennan Stormcrow, "It seems that Brother Crow sleeps, affected by something which has been spreading amongst the fae."

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

Grumbling, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Lazy bugger."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Brennan Stormcrow, "Is there... anything that He dreams of, which might be of use to us?"

"Mighty Crow does not speak of his dreams," Brennan Stormcrow glowers, discarding the cudgel into the undergrowth. "But the dreams of the Great Spirits are not like the dreams of mortals."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Brennan, before He fell asleep, He was snapping and gazing about for something we couldn't see. He seemed very agitated, but He fell asleep all the same."

Strange noises rise up in the forest, roars of unknown beasts echoing through its branches.

Brennan Stormcrow snaps his head to the side with a sickening snap of sloughing skin. "Something is here."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Brennan Stormcrow, "In the past, you have interpreted and spoken of them to us. All the way back to the Song of Returning itself."

Aleyah's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh dear."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Brennan Stormcrow, "If there are any who are able to provide insight to His mind, it is you."

Brennan Stormcrow fully ignores the question, turning his gaze to the distant reaches of the forest.

You ask Xenthos, "Do you think... Mother Night may also be affected?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Brennan appears to be focused on the sounds of creatures skittering through the trees."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I am going to investigate."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "According to Queen Lhiannan, it does not seem to have spread that far yet."

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "I will assist."

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Go. I will watch him."

An illithoid scourge says, "For the Glomdoring, Esei."
An illithoid scourge says, "Dark blessings, forest dweller."
Putrefied glen.
The shadows violently writhe and twist along the ground here, indicating a war shrine of Nocht nearby. It is warm and quite pleasant. The thin circular track reaches its pinnacle at this, the northernmost tip of its path. Eczematous flakes peel from the trees around, huge scabs that fall in a cloud of dust. Their bark is dry and crumbling, fungi and maggots feeding on these dying plants. A thick black mist weaves through the dense undergrowth, dimming perception of the surroundings and creating the impression of creatures weaving through the trees. To the south, the trees are blackened and twisting, as if a great blast has melted the huge trunks until they have been reduced to fused corpses that cling to the ground. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Lovely coltsfoot carpets the forest floor. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A solstice stocking has been hung here. A mature hemlock tree stands proudly here. There are 2 horrific feathered monstrosities here.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.
A horrific feathered monstrosity stares at you balefully with his three glowing yellow eyes. A sudden pain passes through your mind, and you feel distinctly unwell.
Your magic tome warms as it absorbs damage.

[aff spam, flailing as I shoot at it]

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Thank you, Brennan."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Ah... Help?"

[a bunch more come in]

Aleyah arrives, following Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Xenthos points Kiakoda's Eternal Wand of Apocalyptic Stars at a horrific feathered monstrosity, blasting him with streams of blazing fire.
Xenthos has scored a CRUSHING CRITICAL hit.
A horrific feathered monstrosity is blown apart by streams of blazing fire.
A horrific feathered monstrosity has been slain by Xenthos.
A blinking nightmare mote tumbles from the creature's form.
A small quantity of sovereigns spills from the corpse.
A ball of sticky webbing catches the corpse of a horrific feathered monstrosity in a gooey strand and draws it up into Xenthos's hands.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "A... nightmare mote?"

You say, "Ah, there are... more."

You point southwards.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Aleyah leaves, following Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Shuffling her wings to adjust her balance, Mochara, the bearded vulture, stalks off to the south.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "There are feathered monstrosities in the woods."

Mochara, the bearded vulture enters from the south, amber gaze surveying the area sharply.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "And they are carrying motes of nightmares."

Shuffling her wings to adjust her balance, Mochara, the bearded vulture, stalks off to the east.

You suddenly scoop up a blinking nightmare mote.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "Three at me."

You blink.

You shed wyrden demigod form and flow as a spirit through the verdant leaves, embracing the physical once more and arrive at thick shrubs.
Thick shrubs.
One or two light fluffy clouds drift lazily through the sky. 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. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A mature rowan tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 2 horrific feathered monstrosities here. Patient as death, Mochara, the bearded vulture waits here, eying her surroundings. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. He is surrounded by a deflection bubble.
You see exits leading northeast, south, and west.

[insert bashing spam]

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "If you are not comfortable killing them on your own, come to me."

Shuffling her wings to adjust her balance, Mochara, the bearded vulture, stalks off to the northeast.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I have a standard and a squad."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Each mote seems to be slightly different."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We will kill them as a group."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "If you can survive on your own, feel free to do so."

An almost insubstantial fragment of the dreaming, this mote of power has been warped and skewed into a horrific nightmare of its former self. Brilliant white light surrounds an internal nucleus of inky black, coated in a miasma of bloodred energy shot through with veins of inky blackness that gives it an uncomfortable resemblance to a staring eye. Every few seconds a shudder of energy crackles along its surface, causing the eye to blink before resuming its relentless stare.
It are strangely weightless.
It has the following aliases: mote, nightmare, blinking, blinking.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "I am scouting for them."

An almost insubstantial fragment of the dreaming, this mote of power has been warped and skewed into a horrific nightmare of its former self. Immediately noticeable by the garish, dark beams of light that pour from its perfectly spherical centre, the very air about this mote warps and shifts like dark stone heated by the summer sun. The dark light that shines from this mote casts everything it passes in darker-than-normal tones, staining until its light mercifully fades.
It are strangely weightless.
It has the following aliases: mote, nightmare, glowing, glowing.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "They don't all seem to have motes."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "No, they don't..."

[following Xenthos, more bashing spam]

You blink.

You ask, "...motes are edible, yes?"

Rhenna nods her head at Xenthos.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks skeptical and says, "I don't really want to eat them."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates a blinking nightmare mote.

You say, "I'm willing to."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It might be better for a dreamwalker to try..."

You say, "...the tunnels."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

You point downwards.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "As a note, the barghests appear to be unaffected by this, according to Gwyllgi."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "How interesting."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Are the fae of Wyrdr affected?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "It seems to be something of the Dreaming itself."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Impacting the slaugh only slightly and the barghests not at all."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "Is this likely, if Nirvana seems unchanged?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "The Dreaming is wider than Nirvana itself- that is simply a small bit of reality carved into it."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "We have strange nightmare motes, I don't know if eating one will affect... the Dreaming for someone who can go there."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "So it is plausible."

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "Two found in the Tower."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I see Aurik found more."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...You are all far too fast."

You ask, "What of the Wyrdling?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "If they ARE of the dreaming, I would expect many of them to be in His Nest."

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "I cannot find any more."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Hmm, going to check there now."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "None."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "None on Ethereal at all."

[return to Prime]

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "SO it's all on Prime..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Thus far at least."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Consolidate. I have three motes - two blinking ones, one glowing one."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Ten monstrosities."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Brennan Stormcrow, "We've found feathered monstrosities, who are carrying motes of nightmare."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I have one blinking mote."

You say, "I have a glowing and a blinking."

Brennan Stormcrow nods his head at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have a blinking one and a twirling one."

You furrow your brow in thought.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Did they appear to have a dedicated heading?"

Brennan Stormcrow shakes his head.

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Was there any pattern to their positions? I didn't note any in the southern parts of the forest, but several were in the Black Tower."

Aleyah hops from foot to foot, visibly agitated.

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Aurik's shoulder.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Perhaps they were drawn to Mother Night's Needle?"

You have emoted: Esei taps their chin thoughtfully, gazing thoughtfully at one of the motes.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I mostly saw them in the north, and there was that one in the chasm."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "If they can't affect Her..."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

A strange growling noise echoes from to the north and below, creatures moving nearby.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "More have arrived."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Time to hunt."

A dark nighthag says, "For the Glomdoring, Aurik."

Lightning fast, Brennan Stormcrow snatches his cudgel back up from amidst the undergrowth and swipes it before him, the savage motion casting a swathe of energy that swirls to envelop his form in a protective embrace.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Below."

[more running around, killing things]

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "There are many in the tunnels now."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "They are weak to cold damage, resistant to fire."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Rowena, do you know where they come from?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Sorry."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "More have appeared within the forest above as well."

(Glomdoring): Rowena Nightshade says, "These creatures appear unnaturally formed."

You ponder the situation.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Partially a bird, and partially some form of reptile."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...The motes look different."

You think to yourself: That pooka's dreams became reality, but only briefly... Brother Crow is stronger than any normal fae.

Xenthos clutches a twirling nightmare mote firmly, preparing to use it.

You ask, "How so?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "If you look at them, the twirling ones seem to have debris..."

You furrow your brow in thought.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is pulling debris towards it."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

You say, "The blinking one looks like an eye, and the one that glows looks like a... almost a miniature Sun?"

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

Examining the twirling mote, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Some form of attraction, sucking in things around it."

Rowena Nightshade casts her good eye in the direction of the tunnels, alert and wary.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "If it's pulling in debris... then perhaps its nature can be altered by feeding it certain things."

Dripping water echoes enchantingly in the distance.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "I can find no more."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "None left... yet. But they seem to come cluster in waves."

Rowena Nightshade nods her head.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I suspect there will be more."

Mochara, the bearded vulture enters from the up, amber gaze surveying the area sharply.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Aleyah frowns at the corpse of a horrific feathered monstrosity.

Mochara, the bearded vulture eyes the feathers of her wing critically, using her beak to straighten a few out before studying it again, giving a croaky squawk of satisfaction.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Two more motes - one wavering, one more blinking."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Wavering, that's new...."

You nod solemnly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Okay, music time."

"The elder lost." sings Aleyah, playing a jittering tune on a diamond and onyx violin.
"Yet on the morn, we wake to find," sings Aleyah, while shadows swarm over a diamond and onyx violin as it plays a creepy melody.

"That memories linger," sings Aleyah, while a diamond and onyx violin plays haunting melodies.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "A glowing and a twirling there are also, aye?"

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "I have three blinking, one glowing, one wavering."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I have a twirling, and two blinking ones... we've got also glowing and apparently wavering."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "We should total them."

You say, "I have one blinking and one glowing."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh asks Xenthos, "Shall we consolidate them with you?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. If you'd like."

You give a blinking nightmare mote to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

You give a glowing nightmare mote to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Though it might be best to leave them with someone who is not running into the thick of things. Perhaps Rancoura?"

Aurik purses his lips, deep in thought.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Rancoura, "Unless you intend to come with us when they return."

You tell Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "Is there something odd occurring in your woods?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "A good point."

Rancoura shakes her head at Xenthos.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "The White Hart dreams, and they wander the forest, lashing out."

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.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Perhaps they can be purified somehow, filled with shadow so that we can use them to benefit Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We will leave the motes with Rancoura for collection purposes."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Then please, could everyone turn their motes over to the Lady Haruspex?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "In case we run into a large cluster."

You tell Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "As I suspected."

[Caohite enters!]

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Caohite.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Best to keep them 'safe,' or as much so as we can."

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Has the same befallen your Crow?"

Caohite curtseys gracefully.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh asks Rancoura, "And could you give us an idea of how many there are, total?"

You tell Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "Perhaps. Perhaps not."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Caohite, "Welcome."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Is this all which have been collected?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "That's all that I have."

Caohite curtseys gracefully before Xenthos.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I didn't pick up any."

Rancoura tilts her head curiously at you.

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes Mochara, the bearded vulture a decidedly feral grin.

You say to Rancoura, "I gave mine to the Spirit Warden."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "For those just joining us- Brother Crow has been afflicted by the slumber that has been spreading through some of the fae. Mother Night's Avatars and their followers seem to be either only slightly affected, or not at all."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I've passed them on."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Eight blinking, three twirling, two glowing and one wavering do I have."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We are being invaded by feathered monstrosities. All of them are dead for now, but it is likely they will return."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...I wonder if anything's happening in the other Forest."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Interesting."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "These monstrosities sometimes drop nightmare motes, which we are collecting."

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "I could ask?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Do we happen to have any spies?"

You say, "I already asked."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "If you're on good terms."

Rancoura gazes thoughtfully at the assortment of motes in her hands, holding them carefully within open palms.

Rhenna shrugs helplessly.

You say, "The White Hart sleeps and nightmarish creatures roam their Forest."
Rowena Nightshade exclaims, "The White Hart is anathema to Glomdoring. He must be destroyed!"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I'm not entirely sure they exist yet."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "Mother is not harmed though, is she?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Are they also feathered?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Er, rather, that they know I exist."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Are they the same creatures?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Or are theirs more... stag-like?"

With more composure, Rowena Nightshade adds thoughtfully, "Which may well be easier if he slumbers."

You shrug helplessly.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "A good question."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips.

Rancoura nods her head at Rowena Nightshade, showing her acceptance.
Rowena Nightshade exclaims, "Do not disturb my work. I am preparing for the ritual and must concentrate!"
Rowena Nightshade grumbles angrily.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "An interesting idea... though we should ensure they don't attack us as well."

Aurik holds a kaleidoscopic telescope to his eye and twists the end of it.
Aurik winces painfully and rubs his forehead.
Aurik winces painfully and rubs his forehead.
Aurik winces painfully and rubs his forehead.
Aurik winces painfully and rubs his forehead.
Aurik winces painfully and rubs his forehead.

Aleyah frowns at Aurik.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "They've hardly the numbers, currently, by the looks of things."

With a nod, Rowena Nightshade says, "Indeed. 'Twould be ill advised to launch an assault with Brother Crow so afflicted."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "What did you do?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Then we should work to wake Brother Crow first, then if there is an opportunity we can aim for their Hart."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I agree."

Her lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Rowena Nightshade flashes Rhenna a decidedly feral grin.

Aleyah giggles happily.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I'm always for a bit of bloodshed when it comes to passive prey animals."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I still suspect that these motes may hold some purpose."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

Mochara, the bearded vulture eyes the feathers of her wing critically, using her beak to straighten a few out before studying it again, giving a croaky squawk of satisfaction.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I agree, I just don't know... what."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Can they be used to wake Crow as is, or do they need to be purified in Night's shadows first?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "The blinking ones outnumber all the others put together."

As Caohite leaves to the east, the shadows shift and writhe in mute protest.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Someone noted earlier that they seem to be pulling things into them?"

You ponder the situation.

Aurik's ears perk up as his attention turns towards Rhenna.

You say, "The twirling ones do."

You say, "The others do not."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "They have.... they are different. It's odd."

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Strange."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "What can you note about the others?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I wonder if the library has anything about something like this..."

Rancoura proudly shows off a twirling nightmare mote:
An almost insubstantial fragment of the dreaming, this mote of power has been warped and skewed into a horrific nightmare of its former self. The mote itself is only visible because of the thin layer of dust that has been attracted to orbit it in a lazy circuit against the dirty pink currents that hold them together in their tight net surrounding it. As the mote continues its perfect rotation, small pieces of detritus are pulled towards it, succeeding in only gathering up the lightest of debris.

You say, "The blinking ones look like eyes, and the glowing ones look like miniature Suns, to me."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Eight blinking, three twirling, two glowing, one wavering. Why so many that blink? Why only one that wavers?"

Rancoura proudly shows off a wavering nightmare mote:
An almost insubstantial fragment of the dreaming, this mote of power has been warped and skewed into a horrific nightmare of its former self. Appearing at first as a simple splash of inverted colour against the backdrop of reality, this tiny speck is painfully apparent once it is finally noticed. The air around the centre of this mote wavers with unstable, somatic energy as it violently distorts the space about it.

Comprehension flashes across your face.

You ask, "Perhaps... they are nightmares of altered reality..?"

Aurik purses his lips, deep in thought.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...Do they have something to do with Lord Nightmare, do you think?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Like dream motes?"

You nod your head at Rhenna.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "If only we had a Dreamweaver, perhaps there is some further information upon Nirvana."

Rhenna gingerly plucks a dream mote from a delicate dreamcatcher.


Aurik's ears perk up as his attention turns towards Rhenna.

Rhenna proudly shows off a dream mote:
The dream mote is an almost insubstantial fleck of power that floats in the air. So tiny, the mote can be easily overlooked, appearing as a wisp of light or colour out of the corner of the eye. This dream mote has no specific characteristic except that it slowly changes
colour.

You ponder the situation.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I... know a little."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

You say, "Something is... corrupted somehow, I feel?"

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

You say, "Perhaps not in Nirvana. Somewhere deeper?"

Aurik purses his lips, deep in thought as he contemplates the corpse of a horrific feathered monstrosity.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Deeper than Nirvana... I can't say I've found such a thing."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Spinner Afollia has experienced some odd dreams, but is uncertain whether they are pertinent to the current phenomena. She has said that she shall share them shortly."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Xenthos traces a word on the surface of a primaeval shadowglass snowglobe of dark fauna, and then shakes the globe vigorously. He stares intently at the swirling particles that float within the globe.

You say, "I have a mask of dreams, if need be."

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Dark tidings Glomdoring, I did a quick dreaming in ethereal Glomdoring. After discussing with the Lady Haruspex, I would like to share three dreams that seemed...odd."

Aleyah giggles happily.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "I have not dreamed in quite a long time, so I will leave interpretation to each of you."

[more monstrosities]

You give a glowing nightmare mote to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Another glowing mote."

Rancoura inclines her head politely to you.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Perhaps they can be purified somehow, filled with shadow so that we can put them."

[murder monstrosities]

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "Hart is asleep, and theirs are not feathered."

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "They resemble deer."

Aleyah nods her head at Caohite.

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "They were all clustered around Rowena and our group, then."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Rowena Nightshade, "I hope they weren't here for you."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...so they're somehow shaped by their surroundings."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So... these creatures are the nightmares of Brother Crow, and of their Hart?"

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "Yes."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...are the cities not experiencing anything of the sort?"

Dripping water echoes enchantingly in the distance.

You ask, "But why would the Spirits have nightmares?"

Caohite ponders the situation.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I think they're products of their sleeping minds."

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "I will ask the cities."

Rancoura nods her head at Aleyah, showing her acceptance.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Aleyah, "Something has forced them asleep, and these creatures are the product. Curious indeed."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I suppose that's... worthwhile, though I never really find the Cities have interesting insights to the affairs of the wood."

Aleyah nods her head at Rancoura.

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "Seeing Mother Night's nightmares is not something I would wish to experience.."
Rowena Nightshade says, "I am Mother Night's chosen."

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And it was something that Dear Crow noticed before he slept, he tried to stay awake... and the creatures only became something we could see, when he did doze off."

With a slow nod to Aleyah, Rancoura shows her understanding.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to Aleyah, "Even an imbecile's insight can be profound, when coupled with a more enlightened perspective."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...you know... there may be another component to this."

Aurik tilts his head curiously at Rhenna.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Aleyah, "Aye, He seemed aware of their presence before we were."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Aurik, "If only to know what not to do."

A stirring breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "When the pooka from before fell woke up, it didn't remember anything from before, right?"
Caohite ponders the situation.

You say, "He did not, no."

Caohite bows her head and is surrounded by a pall of shadows.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...maybe whatever this threat is, it's stealing memories?"

Aurik ponders the situation.

You say, "Or the sleep, the dreams, are stressful enough that they do not remember."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "In either case... we may need to find some way to get inside Brother Crow's dreams."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh asks, "How much did the pooka forget?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "It couldn't even remember coming here."

You say to Aurik, "He did not even recall leaving Faethorn."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "..Might it be a form of Hypnosis?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "But he could recall being -from- Faethorn?"

You nod your head at Aurik.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "So not -all- memories were removed, merely those from when he fell under the influence of whatever this is."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "He, at the very least, understood what its tah'vrai was."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Hypnotic suggestion is supposed to... encourage actions of a hypnotist's choosing."

Shadows dance across the rocky walls, perpetually avoiding the available light.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aleyah.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Without much memory of what, or why."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...then perhaps something is covering its tracks."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It could've been a suggestion placed by something else; a call to sleep."

Deep in thought, you lean your cheek on your hand.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Did they cluster specifically around lady Rowena?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to Rhenna, "At the very least, if it's only removing memories of events while under its influence, it's unlikely to be actively stealing them, or at least, unlikely to be doing so as its intent."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Right--then it has another intent."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "If theft of memory was the goal, one would expect it to be more indiscriminate."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I think I would like to hear the weaver's dream now."

Rhenna nods her head emphatically.

Aurik nods his head.

You nod solemnly.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "A handful did, but were swiftly dispatched. Pardon our distraction."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Things have quieted. I would be most interested in your dreams."

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Caohite hopefully.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Caohite.

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "I was attempting to speak with Priestess Ikrae."

Caohite shakes her head.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...while we wait for the dreamer to speak..."

Llani has sacrificed her lifeforce for the Serenwilde Forest.
You see the death occur at Moon River under a rope bridge.

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...to continue, if it's not the main goal to steal memories, then perhaps it didn't want Crow to witness something."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Hm."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Sacrificed her life for the Serenwilde Forest."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Aleyah, "As a Healer, for all of her allies within it."

A stirring breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Aleyah looks at Rancoura and comprehension flashes across her face.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Aleyah gives a wavering nightmare mote to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "A random attempt, or an act of desperation? Perhaps they're struggling more than we are."

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Aleyah.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "We shouldn't be so rash. We need to see the unseen--and discover what Brother Crow has already seen."

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "None of the cities seem to have any troubles. I am unsure."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Aleyah, "No response has been given by the Lady as of yet?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "No, I will pray again..."

Rancoura shakes her head at Aleyah.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "All right."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Aleyah, "She has likely heard you, and is possibly preoccupied with other matters."

[more monstrosities spawn]

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "Might someone travel to Wydyr to ascertain the state of the fae there?"

[walky walky to the dell]

You place your hands on the Lo'varai Spring and find the link to the ethereal plane. Pulsating energy flares throughout your field of vision, and you find yourself tumbling through the aether pathways.
A natural spring surrounded by writhing shadows.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A strong gale has developed here. Amorphous shadows swell throughout the lush clearing, consuming the wildflowers of vibrant whites and pinks that dot the terrain with their bleak and unforgiving touch. Healthy saplings sit firmly rooted in the fertile soil from which they grow, a stark contrast to the twisted and grotesque trees that rise up as threatening towers on the fringes of the small clearing. The gentle bubbling of water rises up from the spring, overpowered and concealed by the haunting crescendo of laughter that swarms through the trees. Shadows swarm morosely about the Hae'vanei Spring, repelled from its crystalline surface by an unseen force. There are 3 golden-eyed, baleful barghests here. There are 4 proud, haughty slaughs here. There are 3 stout, sinister redcaps here. Patient as death, Mochara, the bearded vulture waits here, eying her surroundings. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. He is surrounded by a deflection bubble. <- Aurik was here already!

A golden-eyed, baleful barghest sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

You blink.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "I can sense no monstrosities here in Wydyr, and the fae seem reasonably lively at a glance."

A golden-eyed, baleful barghest growls menacingly at you.

Aurik ponders a golden-eyed, baleful barghest thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

A baleful barghest sniffs Aurik, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

You blink.

(Glomdoring): Caohite (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Serenwilde attempted the dreamweaver route, but it did not bring any new knowledge."

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

[walking, following Aurik]

Aurik ponders the situation.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Bah! They couldn't find knowledge if it slapped them upside their heads."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Hn. Gaudiguch have a rift to Wydyr, apparently."

Shadows dance across the rocky walls, perpetually avoiding the available light.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I agree with Brennan."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "At least they're useful for crossing off dead ends so we don't have to waste our time."

You nod solemnly.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh asks you, "Is that expected?"

You say, "I do not know who made it or why but I have noticed it before, yes."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Hn. Something to ask about after the current situation, perhaps."

A golden-eyed, baleful barghest sniffs Aurik, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "We've found some new restless motes now."

A golden-eyed, baleful barghest growls menacingly at Aurik.

Aurik places his hands on the Hae'vanei Spring and disappears in a fountain of pulsating energy.

[returning to Prime Glomdoring]

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Realm of the Silent) says, "Our gratitude, Master Aurik."

[monstronsities again, to no one's surprise.]

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "The Silent One's slaugh appear well enough."

You murmur, "Perhaps the Seal of Time...?"

Aurik purses his lips, deep in thought.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "I'm uncertain of the connection."

You shrug helplessly.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to you, "It may be worth investigating?"

You say, "Perhaps there isn't, but it is..."

Caohite tilts her head and listens intently.

You say, "There's much to be learned about the possible effects the new Seal has and will continue to have, yes?"
Aurik nods his head.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "The monstrosities appear quite similar to one another, aye? Or are there variances?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "If you wish to investigate, then by all means, go ahead. I'll be remaining on rapid response here."

You say, "So perhaps not a direct connection, but possible that something sat up, so to speak, and took note?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Ours seem to be mostly similar."

You shrug helplessly.

You say, "Thoughts are all I have."

You ponder the situation.

[moving to sit next to Crow and Caohite]

You ponder the situation.

You ask Caohite, "Did you check on the fae of the Lord Nightmare?"

The little faeling alights on the branches, settling a respectful distance from Crow. At your words, Caohite shakes her head. "I will see if the bogies and grimalkin are well, but what of the slaugh?"

You say, "Lord Nocht's are well, yes."

Proselyte Caohite Inseira, Umbrated Ivory says, "Then it is likely His are well."

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Caohite's brow.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "We have thusfar gathered eight blinking, three twirling, three glowing, four wavering and two restless motes, by the by."

Caohite turns her head to gaze at Crow before she says, "Do you think the Lady Viravain can feel him sleeping?"

You ponder the situation.

You say, "Possibly."

You say, "But I would not know."

You carefully watch your footing and shimmy down from the treetops.

[returning to main group]

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at you hopefully.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "It had little effect on the physical world, but it was of great help to me personally."
You pat Ilistala, an enormous leopard in a friendly manner.

A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Either way, we won't know unless we try."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "If we just stand around and stagnate, then we'd be little better than Serenwilde. The Wyrd is the very spirit of adaptation and survival."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "..You're very impatient."

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

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Perhaps. But I refuse to accept the options--or lack thereof--presented to me. If I need to force a new option into existence by sheer force of will, I shall."

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at Dominique Nightshade.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...and while we wait, Mighty Crow slips further from us."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "That's an incredible logic leap."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And one I don't see supported at all."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...it just happened."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "No, he fell asleep."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I sensed it just moments ago, less than 30 seconds."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "His Aspects are becoming affected."

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at Xenthos.

Rancoura raises an eyebrow at Rhenna.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Agh! Did no one else sense that!?"

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "What happened?"

Aleyah sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.
Aleyah leaves, following Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.
A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger scuttles sideways off to the south.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "They slumber as well, now."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "It would seem our druids are more closely sensing what becomes amiss."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "I'm advocating forcing a new option into existence. I don't care if I'm impatient; I'm going to work toward a result."

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Now's the time to act. We don't have much information. True. We're essentially going into this blind. Also true. But that's not sufficient cause not to act."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "I'm going in."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Please, take care of my body while I'm gone."

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Acting without being certain of how we are doing so is certainly a cause to refrain. We may do as much harm as possible good."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Have you looked around the Forest or the Nest itself in dream form?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Perhaps there are things within the woods to look for as well."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "There are monstrosities within the Nest, now."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Two were surrounding the Nascent's slumbering form."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Killing them."

[running to EtherGlom because I had gone afk for a bit]

You give a glowing nightmare mote to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Nothing else in the nest... I'd need a hung dreamcatcher to learn more."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I can go fetch the one I have on Prime, though I should look around there, as well."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Rhenna, "Perhaps the forest at large, upon the Ethereal and the Prime."

Rancoura nods her head affirmatively at Rhenna.

Rhenna nods her head emphatically.

Aleyah leaves, following Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

[things begin to quiet down, and then I get the sudden urge to pester Elexia as per usual.]

As you inscribe the name of Elexia with a flourish, lines crawl across the surface of the map, centered upon the Queen's Throneroom (the Ethereal Plane).
You see the following in detail:
------- v4976 -------





         [+]





------- 0:0:4 -------
You have recovered equilibrium.

You blink.

You say, "Curious."

You gaze into a glittering tierstone deep into the Ethereal Plane.
Elexia, Indrosiril, Kistan, Alixia, Lunath.

You say, "Several Serenwilders are within Queen Maeve's throneroom."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Perhaps best to see what they're up to then."

[walking to Maeve]

The Queen's Throneroom.
A few light wisps of cloud are spread high in the sky. A riotous display of flowers bloom in an eternal display of colour suffused with the tender loving energies of Faethorn's chosen ruler. The Queen's throne sits in regal majesty, the entire arrangement seemingly crafted from one piece and its flowing lines bespeak a royalty all its own. Her courtyard is normally attended by the Queen's Own Guard, lined up along the edges in a display of love and commitment to her. The consort's chair sits slightly behind and to the right, empty, and its fluid design is actually one with the massive oak tree that dwarfs the surroundings. Several of the larger roots wreathe together to form the chair and the verdant life within this circle attests to the noble nature of its people and their chosen guide. The silvery leaves of a faebush gently billow in the wind. There are 2 knights of the Queen's Honour Guard here. Gently floating a rose petal in her palm, Jalwyn, the Queen's Handmaiden stands here, enchantingly. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light. A tall, slender dracnari regards his surroundings with a misty-eyed attentiveness, his marvelous garb shifting smoothly from one colour to the next. The Queen of the Fae casually fills the room with her presence. A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger scuttles about here, eyes glazing with green, then black. Effortlessly graceful, a brown-hued strix manifests here upon wings resplendent with pulsing silver motes, its wise gaze unblinking. Psalmist Lunath Myeras is here. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh is here. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand and a golden whip of the pious in her right hand. Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her right hand. Gazing at nothing at all, a daydreaming philosopher paces here, focused on some inner puzzle.

With a dip of her head, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "I had thought perhaps you wanted your audience with the dracnari to be a private conversation, Queen Maeve."

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "There appears to be a dracnari visiting Queen Maeve."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Elexia dips her head in affirmation.

Caohite begins to follow you.

Alixia nods from behind Elexia though keeps her eyes locked in on the arrivals.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery smiles softly, dipping his head politely towards the Queen of the Fae as he says, "I'm ever in search of interesting stories, Queen Maeve." His words are soft and airy, coming easily and lingering in the air for several moments before he continues, "And given the rush of the commune dwellers to your throne, it seems I have come to the right place."

Almost ethereally tall and slender, this dracnari gentleman regards his surroundings with an almost exquisitely curious attentiveness. Azure scales cover his body, glistening like precious chips of sapphire, while sharp, preternaturally blue eyes gleam with canny intelligence, a faint misty haze swirling behind his irises. Lines of liquid silver accentuate the curves and planes of his jaw and cheekbones, whorling upward about his eyes and the ridge of his brow before unfurling in a lazy, lacy pattern at his temples. Equally suited to his eager demeanor, his garb is decidedly ostentatious: wide, sweeping shoulders serve as the mantle of his many-layered robes, multitudinous silks falling to obscure his form and brush against the ground. Intricate traceries of filigreed embroidery meander throughout, the whole affair shifting in hue and tint with no discernible provocation.
A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery does not even register your presence as a threat.
He weighs about 170 pounds.
You cannot see what a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery is holding.
It has the following aliases: dracnari.

Lunath glances at those who enter, the youth staying close to Elexia, though he says not a word, his bright eyes glancing over to the Queen as her and the dracnari fellow speak.

Raising a single eyebrow, Queen Maeve of the Fae asks, "You snoop around my throne room... for stories?" She leans forward, "That is all?"

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Tridemon hopefully.

Tridemon gives a blubbery sea lion pup to you.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You stare implacably at Tridemon.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery raises his hands as he speaks, "And offer any help I can, Great Maeve, if you or the forests see fit. I've heard many stories. Some of which could be useful."

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard nods his head at Irihani.

You stare implacably at a blubbery sea lion pup.

Irihani curtseys gracefully before Queen Maeve of the Fae.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery smirks.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "If you are not with the Queen, this might be a good time to do so- presumably there is more to learn, the Queen is speaking with a visitor."

Tridemon coughs softly.

Leaning back, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "Help?"

Lunath tells you, "I was about to suggest not bringing city dwellers here. But, that's adorable."

You raise a slender brow at Lunath.

Irihani hurries back to stand near Elexia, lacing her fingers together. "This reminds me of what one of the Magnagorans said the other month," she murmurs quietly, "That people were claiming they were having weird dreams."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Irihani, "Please do not discuss them here."

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard gives Tridemon the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard glances askance.

Aleyah's nose wrinkles with distaste.

Alixia shifts a little, slowly turning in her kneeling pose so she can better see the people in the room. With that, she nods to Irihani.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances towards Elexia, a brief grin before looking back towards the Queen. "Aye, however I may. Though perhaps those gathered would wish to present their plight first?" he offers, trying to deflect attention from himself.

Queen Maeve of the Fae turns her gaze now to those of Serenwilde and Glomdoring present. She asks, "Are you here for help?" She lifts an eyebrow imperiously, looking back and forth.

Tridemon turns towards the down and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

Irihani's face scrunches a little, hurrying off quietly.

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard steps closer to the exit, keeping a wary eye out for intruders.

Waldgeist Indrosiril, the Silverlock says, "At least..that was my understanding that we are here for any advice that you might be able to glean."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We are looking for... answers, yes, your Majesty."

As she nods her head, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "We have had strange occurrences, both of our Woods."

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "And we would value your wisdom, your Majesty."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery steps back as those gathered begin to speak, listening eagerly.

A frown coming to her lips, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "The Great Animal Spirits sleep, and dream... Terrible, violent monstrosities."

Queen Maeve of the Fae glances at the dracnari for a moment. Then she intones, "Speak more. Tell me."

Quietly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And their Aspects are falling to sleep, too. They carry with them, these monstrosities, motes of nightmares."

Lunath glances at those whom speak, before his eyes focus on the dracnari that has moved to the side, his head canting just a bit as he watches him, a suspicious glint in his eyes.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh frowns and says, "A number of different types, and... they look like different things. Eyes, small suns but wrong, whirlwinds of debris."

Elexia dips her head in reply. "The White Hart fell asleep earlier this Moon," she begins. "As he slept, figures came into existence all throughout the Wood. They bore resemblance to deer, but with eyes aflame, and they carried these nightmarish motes our dreamweavers could not pierce when they passed." Her eyes are somber. "They clustered near Hart himself, and our Great Tree."

Alixia nods her head sagely at Elexia.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Elexia, "Have you found any within the monolith, here on Ethereal?"

Elexia's pointed ears twitch to Aleyah, and she nods. She retrieves a twirling nightmare mote, cupping it in her palms as she shows Queen Maeve of the Fae. She looks to Xenthos, shaking her head. "Not yet, but the Aspects have fallen asleep, too, one by one."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. We have had monstrosities that have spread even to His Nest."
Finger extended, Xenthos pokes the corpse of a horrific feathered monstrosity.

Queen Maeve of the Fae frowns, her eyebrows scrunching. "Last month, a faeling of Serenwilde told me of a brownie falling asleep." Her fists clench, "This is something more, and graver."

Elexia's frown deepens, and she glances anxiously in the direction of the Ethereal Serenwilde for a moment before returning her attention to Queen Maeve of the Fae.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "There was a Pooka in Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "The motes I held have dissipated, save for two."

Alixia takes note of the voices and looks at one of the motes, concern veiling her features before she regains her composure shortly and her ears perk up.

Queen Maeve of the Fae says to Aleyah, "Is that so?"

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger crouches low on the ground.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It came and it complained of fatigue, and then it slept - and then when it finally woke, it remembered neither the journey, nor its sleep."

Lunath creases his brow in a frown.

Alixia blinks.

You nod your head at Aleyah, showing your acceptance.

With a dip of her head, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "The brownie experienced just the same."

With a slow nod to Elexia, Aleyah shows her understanding.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says to Aleyah, "Anything from before it's fatigue, Lady Shee-Slaugh?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I assume that at this point, Hart and Brother Crow have slumbered longer than they did?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Lunath, "Esei was there for the entirety of its visit..."

Elexia nods her reply to Xenthos, her mouth setting in a thin line.

Aleyah's eyes slide towards you.

You shake your head.

You say, "Not entirety."

Lunath ponders the situation.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "Ah."

Jalwyn, the Queen's Handmaiden lets loose a long sigh, her concentration lost for a moment as the petal falls against her palm.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "I wonder, if there is any indication that I as a healer could see..."

Lunath ponders the situation.

Leaning back once more, a troubled expression on her face, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "The spirits Nature sleep. That is not unheard of. But our dreams are powerful."

Shadows swirl around Xenthos's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around his hand.

With a slow nod to Queen Maeve of the Fae, Aleyah shows her understanding.

Alixia nods her head sagely at Queen Maeve of the Fae.

You say to Lunath, "There was none visible to me, nor Lady Evette, and we are both well-versed in healing."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Do you believe that to be what beseiges us, Your Majesty?"

Elexia dips her head in recognition.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "Their manifestations appear to be crafted around cores of nightmare motes."

Lunath nods to you, opening his mouth to speak, but as the Queen speaks, he decides against it, bowing just slightly to you, before turning to face the Queen once more.

Softly, gesturing at herself, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "If I were to dream, for example, that which I dream may come into the waking. For We are Faethorn. We are the fae."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

Showing that she understands, Elexia nods her head slowly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So what They are dreaming of appears to be... twisted, somehow."

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "And through them, the motes exist, that spawn the manifestations?"

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "Why would their dreams take such shapes though and why now?"

Alixia looks about herself, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery chuckles softly from his spot near the edges of the throne room.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh frowns and says, "If Dear Crow is having Nightmares and they plague is upon prime...."

Her words hesitant, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "Then, these... These dreams, is there aught we can do to comfort the
Spirits as they experience them? For the Hart's dreams are dreadful indeed."

Queen Maeve of the Fae raises an eyebrow at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And The Hart, too, I presume."

Lunath peers at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery unscrupulously.

You tilt your head curiously at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

Elexia's poitned ears perk as she turns her attention to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, eyeing him up and down.

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

In his smooth, airy tone, a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Do not stop on my account, please! Your theories and stories are delectable."

Alixia curls her large tail around her form as she's still kneeling, allowing it to cover her legs as she looks around.

You narrow your eyes at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery in an unnerving manner.

Giving a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery a disdainful glance, Aleyah lifts a dainty hand to rest at her neckline.

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "These stories are real, though."

Alixia peers at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery unscrupulously.

With a wave of his hand, a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "All the best ones are, of course."

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Do not let us, steal all of the fun, please, by all means, it seems you know, something."

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.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery grins at Lunath before continuing, "Do the shapes of their dreams made real not give you any thoughts?"

Alixia's eyes dart towards the form of Nivn'falsia.

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "It still does not answer the question. Why would they have such dreams? Perhaps some sort of... corruption?"

Aleyah creases her brow in a frown.

Queen Maeve of the Fae steps forward, followed by her guards, and holds her face close to the tall dracnari. "If Our fae sleep without Our oversight, if the Great Collective Spirits sleep, and you know something about it, then pray, do tell." The fae knights move to flank him. "Before We lose Our temper."

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard glares angrily at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian dissipates into a cloud of subtle shadow as she senses eyes on her, re-appearing high above Maeve's throne a moment later and gazing down upon the Queen with pure lazuline eyes.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I have been unable to reach My Lady in regards to Dearest Crow, but... I was there when he fell asleep. For a moment, before rest took him, he was most agitated, snapping his beak and casting his gaze about as though he were under threat."
A fae knight shifts his sturdy-looking sword from hand to hand.

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.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I sincerely believe that turn of phrase to be most accurate, that he was taken by rest."

Lunath creases his brow in a frown.

Alixia creases her brow in a frown.

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I've finished my survey of Prime Glomdoring. Nothing of note."

Elexia's brow furrows as she considers a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery's words. She glances to Queen Maeve of the Fae, then to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery again. "The manifestations of the Hart's dream are twisted, malformed... Are you suggesting something is attempting to poison Him? To twist, subvert Him, in the Dreaming?" She twists her mouth as she looks to Aleyah thoughtfully.

Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian blinks incredulously at Rancoura.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Thank you for investigating."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Come to Ethereal.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We are with Queen Maeve, she is discussing things."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery raises his hands defensively as he steps back from the fae guards, his voluminous robes swirling about him with each step, though a grin never leaves his features. "Fae are not the only powerful dreamers, dear Queen."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Will do. Should I survey there, too?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "So far she has just been attaining information from us, but there is a visitor who appears to be about to tell more."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "No, join us."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Very well."

Alixia feels a small shiver as the words strike true. Her eyes widen instantly.

Aleyah frowns thoughtfully at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger crouches low on the ground.

Folding her arms, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "Oh? Then pray tell, who else?"

[Rhenna comes back.]

Her voice just above a whisper, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "One of the Divine? I know the Lord Hoaracle had once displayed great power over the Dreaming..."

Lunath's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says to Elexia, "Hasn't he slept for a long time now?"

A fae knight looks up curiously.

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

Alixia blinks at Elexia before turning towards Lunath and giving him a confused look. She turns back though in an instant and listens intently.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "There is also Lord Nightmare, who sleeps."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...and those were nightmare motes that came out of the monstrosities."

A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger rubs her two forelegs together.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances around at those gathered, looking disappointed. "Pah! No one wants to leap in and scream the answer triumphantly? I must do it!?" He sighs dramatically, though a mischievous twinkle gleams in his eyes.

Unfurling from the dracnari's form like coils of liquid smoke, rich azure light spills out through the boughs of Maeve's trees and beyond. None of it lands upon any of you, nor the Queen herself - it extends high, high above, into the distant reaches above the boughs of Faethorn. It takes a shape of almighty size and grows larger still, almost impossible to make out in the entirety of its bulk from this spot. All that can be truly discerned is the humongous, gnarled claw that coils around Maeve's tree, tapping it lightly. The light ripples like scales, then vanishes as soon as it appears.

Queen Maeve of the Fae narrows her eyes to thin slits.

You furrow your brow in thought.

The frigid, liquid shadowfire within the depths of Rancoura's eyes flickers briefly as she raises her gaze to the skies.

Alixia shakes in her pose, looking upwards with narrowed eyes and poising herself.

Lunath steps forward, trying to keep any danger from reaching Elexia as he glances up at the being that's displayed itself.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances about expectantly with a wide, toothy smile.

Queen Maeve of the Fae says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "What. Are. You?"

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard stares up at the empty space where the apparition no longer hangs, his mouth slightly agape.

Elexia gasps at the sight, leaping from her kneeling position to her feet as she stares wildly all about at the vision of azure light."A claw..." she breathes. She looks to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, her eyes narrowing as she stands as tall as such a small faeling can muster.

Aleyah flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

Alixia feels her torc as her paw-like hand starts to show a slight green light. She dashes forward a few steps, sitting closer to Elexia and Lunath as well as Queen Maeve while she chants a barely audible spell of protection, focusing intently.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery exclaims, "Come come. I know this isn't the first time you've seen us now. Are you still all struck silent!?"

You caress a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

Alixia speaks up to the heavens "Claws don't speak. Why not reveal your full form?" with a frown.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "My first."

Rhenna shrugs helplessly.

Ilistala eyes Pysynne warily, settling into a predatory crouch.

Elexia's brow furrows as her eyes grow distant. "I cannot recall having met you," she says warily.

In a low murmur, a knight of the Queen's Honour Guard says to Alixia, "I do not think we could see it all from here. It was...quite large."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery exclaims, "Only so much can fit here!"

Alixia coughs softly.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Perhaps drop the dracnari disguise then."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Perhaps they're not a person so much as a concept."

Queen Maeve of the Fae makes a small, disgusted noise with her lips, returning to her usual place amid the throne room.

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at Queen Maeve of the Fae.

Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "No. Don't reveal your whole form. You'd crush us all."

Queen Maeve of the Fae rolls her eyes.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery gestures towards Queen Maeve, "I do not think... Yes, that."

Looking alarmed, a knight of the Queen's Honour Guard quickly moves to take a position at the Queen's side, eyeing the dracnari nervously.

Deep in thought, you lean your cheek on your hand.

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "It seems that one that boasts power or form could easily send an image to our minds, considering you claim to be a shape of dreams, or rather nightmares."

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "No need to physically manifest entirely, is there?"

Alixia peers about herself unscrupulously.

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard nods in vehement agreement.

Quietly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Even I need at least a bit of space to breathe."

Aleyah frowns at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery looks slightly deflated. He quips in his airy tone, "Well I'll say nothing else until someone guesses properly. And I expect the line to be delivered with all due awe and wonder." He huffs softly, taking sudden interest the claws at his fingertips.

Aleyah snickers softly to herself.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "Whatever it is, has a flair for the dramatic it seems."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "So it's recognition you desire."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "You looked like a dragon, though I've never seen one."

A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger rubs her two forelegs together.

Elexia nods her head at Aleyah.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery mutters quietly, "Awe and wonder."

Aleyah rolls her eyes.

Queen Maeve of the Fae taps her fingers, glaring in prideful fury at the tall dracnari, saying nothing.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Oen of the Soulless Ones, perhaps?"

Gasping theatrically, and clapping a few fingertips to her cheek, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks, "Are you a DRAGON?"

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

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard gasps in astonishment, then catches himself and clears his throat.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery looks slightly offended before swirling at Aleyah with excitement, his robes swirling around him. He laughs, a burst of azure flames leaping forth. "Indeed I am!"

Comprehension flashes across Elexia's face.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh laughingly says, "Oh good, I was worried you were going to want me to faint."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Wait! That is much better. Once more, child. Once more."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery goes back to looking at the claws at his fingertips.

Under her breath, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh, for the love of..."

Alixia keeps her protective pose next to Elexia and Lunath while she peers upwards, her tail nervously swinging through the air.

Aleyah closes her eyes for a moment, and you begin to perceive a faint aura around her, causing all those loyal to her to become suddenly more attentive.

Aleyah takes a deep breath and looks up innocently through lowered lashes, taking on a saintly attitude.

Elexia looks with disbelief between Aleyah and a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, her posture still tense.

A single tear drops from Xenthos's eye as he stops his own heart, slaying himself instantly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "There. Now can we move along?"

Aleyah gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Lunath's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Forcefully unimpressed, Queen Maeve of the Fae interjects, "Yes, very impressive. Let us move on, Dragon. What are YOU doing here, interfering of the dreams of the Nature Spirits?"

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "Aye, now that the drama has been severely drained for the moment."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I don't know, I sorta liked the pomp."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery snorts in offense, a small spurt of azure flame leaping from his nostrils. "I hope you all will be better heroes as the story unfolds. This is not playing out with nearly the drama it warrants."

Having looked briefly alarmed at Xenthos's sudden death, a knight of the Queen's Honour Guard once more manages to regain his evidently fragile composure.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "You'll have to forgive us if we seem somewhat fatigued, that does seem to be the plague of the situation."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Results matter. If one wastes their time flourishing blades, it simply gives the foe time to stab you in the throat."

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery places a hand upon his chest as he offers, "My. It is not I who does anything to the Great Spirits. The other dragons, however..."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Heavens, what a delightfully tangled mess. I merely observe."

Aleyah frowns slightly, canting her head.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...I thought dragons didn't care for one another."

Elexia's mouth drops open in surprise at the answer, but she hurries to shut it. "Why would they seek to harm the Great Spirits?" she asks, confusion upon her face.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Aye, this is no combat. A little bit of theatrics isn't quite so out of place."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The others. Which kind?"

Alixia narrows her eyes as she finally finishes chanting her protection spell and Elexia and Lunath appear to be radiating a green glow for just a quick moment. She then speaks towards the dracnari saying "What kind of dragons and why are they doing this? You can't expect us to guess everything and the situation is dire. If you wish to help then help. Otherwise, if you just wish to record stories, you'd still have to set us on a path worth recording".

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "They're still learning what kind of dragon they are. Fascinating to watch."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They're... still learning."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "How long have they been dragons?"

Alixia gasps "Are you saying these are fledgling dragons simply playing around with us and the Great Spirits?"

Under his breath, a knight of the Queen's Honour Guard says, "That sounds destructive."

Her words now terse and clipped, Queen Maeve of the Fae points a single finger at the tall dracnari's chest. "Get. Your. Dragons. Out. Of. The. Dreaming. Wake Hart and Crow. NOW."

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard snaps to attention zealously, his posture an example of perfect military discipline.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery starts at the Queen's rage, glancing backwards as he softly murmurs, "Oh my. I forgot you were here..."

Softly and earnestly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Or... at least, please, please tell us how we can."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I don't know, it sounds like the young dragons might need some guidance."

Alixia clenches a paw and says out "To such a being the world may seem a toy but it is not. Consider that and at least tell us something".

Pysynne mutters under his mask, "or to meet an aethership..."

Queen Maeve of the Fae says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "You want a story?! Help them with the story, and get on with it! We will not be toyed with."


A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery taps his clawed fingers against his chin. "They are not -my- dragons. If so, I would have directed them to a much more exciting settings..." He ponders aloud, "But this could work. A daring attempt to pull apart the dreams of dragon and spirit. Hmmm... Yes..." The dracnari seems to drift away from the conversation, lost to daydreams.

Overhead and all around, the branches of the faethorn trees creak and rumble, and the entire throne room shakes with the rage of the Maeve.

A knight of the Queen's Honour Guard winces in pain.

Elexia nods her head in stern agreement as she says to the dracnari, "How can we help?" Her tone is even as she tilts her head.

Elexia winces in pain.

Aleyah edges to Xenthos's other shoulder, the one furthest away from the justifiably outraged Queen Maeve.

Elexia ushers Lunath and Alixia backwards, dipping her head as Queen Maeve of the Fae's fury alights.

Alixia shakes her head slowly and says "Before you judge a story's worth, let the participants participate. Is that not worth your words? Else would you record stillness? No proper story can exist without opposing forces yet so long as this happens and we cannot participate, there is no opposition. You will have no story, just a monologue".

Lunath nods, inching back with Elexia, his hand reaching out to grasp Alixia's paw to help her back, the male keeping both close ot him as he edges back.

Snapping out of his daydreams, a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery exclaims, "Very well! That would be a fine story to tell. If you wish to rescue your Great Spirits, you will need to visit their dreams!"

You say, "Perhaps it relates to the motes we found?"

Queen Maeve of the Fae gradually stands back, her presence no less dominating. But her fury appears to be contained, for now, as she watches the proceedings silently.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "I just so happen to have the knowledge to help with that. So many stories to share."

Dryly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Indeed."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "But perhaps you can bring representatives tied closely to your forests. It would be easiest to share the method with them."

Aleyah tilts her head curiously.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Druids, do you mean?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I know a little of dreamweaving already, though not much. Still..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Please define what you are looking for. There are many tied to our Forests in different ways."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...and I'm a druid, as well."

Alixia sighs, taking in a few breaths as if she had not taken any in a while. She looks at least content with the positive answer. Looking at Elexia she nods, clearly showing a look of trust and urging.

Elexia rests her chin atop her hand, glancing to Pysynne. "You've skill with dreamweaving, aye, Seneschal?" she suggests. "Or do you seek something else?" she asks a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery next.

Elexia smiles comfortingly at Alixia, squeezing the furrikin's shoulder.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says to Elexia, "Perhaps, those whom have many years within the communes..."

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says to Elexia, "I am often a dreamweaver, yes."

Aleyah nods her head at Lunath.

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says, "It must be someone with experience and strong ties. For sure."

Alixia nods her head sagely.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "In which case, Uncle Xenthos has been of Glomdoring longer than any else."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Someone with a connection to the ethereal plane and some knowledge of Dreamweaving would be useful."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...I'm not sure Xenthos would qualify, then."

Alixia flashes Pysynne a joyous smile.

Aleyah shakes her head.

Her voice imperious, Queen Maeve of the Fae says, "The Great Trees, perhaps. Or their guardians."

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "Lady Miakoda."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Oh what a lovely name. That would do nicely."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Brennan, would you be willing to come join this discussion with Queen Maeve?"

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "That is whom I was referring."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "There is a request for your presence."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "And from the other forest?"

Recognition flashes across Elexia's face, and she nods quickly. "There is none more connected," she agrees.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Bugger. Is it her asking?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Brennan."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "It is."

With a shrug, a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Eh. I suppose that name will do as well..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "An invitation has already been extended."

You tilt your head curiously at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

Psalmist Lunath Myeras says, "...what will be asked of them? I worry for our Lady's safety."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Tell her I cannot leave Mighty Crow in...this state. I will attend, as she - requires - but not in person."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "I will simply tell them a story, and then they may show you the way to the dreams you seek."

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Do you wish them to come here, or will you come to them?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "Brennan will not leave Him unattended, but he is willing to attend non-physically."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Shall that suffice for your purposes?"

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Fine by me. Better all at once since... some are in such a rush."

Lunath turns to face Pysynne, before glancing back between the dramatic dracnari and Xenthos.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances subtly at Queen Maeve.

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

Rhenna sits herself down.

Alixia sighs and adds "The faster the hare, the better the jump. Same goes for stories, oh clawed one".

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery grins mischievously at Alixia.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "That appears to be acceptable."

A shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow comes flying in from the down and lands with a loud caw.

Begrudgingly, a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow dips its head in the direction of the Queen.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow, "Thank you."
Aleyah perks up at the sight of the crow, beaming.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Miakoda will attend in her own way, as well."

Elexia nods her head at Pysynne.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow.

Alixia nods her head at Pysynne.

A seed falls into the ground from the air, growing into a sapling, and then a slender tree in the form of Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart.

A slender tree has grown out from the ground here, her form shaped into the likeness of Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart. The tree bark is the colour of autumn foliage, and branches bearing clouds of leaves droop down like a cascade of silver tresses. She has enormously large brown eyes, gleaming out from whorls in the tree trunk. Her nose is a wide knot and her lips are thick with amber sap. A perpetual breeze seems to rustle through her hair-branches, a haunting melody that tells the story of ancient trees.
A tree in the shape of Miakoda looks to be crushingly strong.
She weighs about 500 pounds.
She are loyal to the Free Collective of Serenwilde.
You cannot see what a tree in the shape of Miakoda is holding.
It has the following aliases: projection, tree, miakoda.

This crow is as much skeleton as bird, with exposed wings and patches of feathers missing that reveal his ashen skin and yellowed bones. Deep dark shadows cloy around the body, masking but failing to hide his ghastly appearance. Upon a closer look the midnight black eyes bear a striking resemblance to those of Brennan Stormcrow, the nexus keeper of Glomdoring. The likeness is further betrayed by the random jerks and twitches that grow more erratic at the sight of movement or the startle from a sudden sound. At times however he grows perfectly still, staring at something or someone with the intent of a predator observing his prey.
A shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow looks to be crushingly strong.
He weighs about 1 pounds and 4 ounce(s).
He are loyal to the Free Forest of Glomdoring.
You cannot see what a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow is holding.
It has the following aliases: projection, crow, brennan, stormcrow.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances at the imitation of Brennan as he enters. "Oh, how exciting. I must admit your name sounded so... dull. But this, yes. This will work!"

Alixia stands up and curtseys, albeit a bit clumsy, at the form of Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart.

A shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow casts its beady eyes upon those gathered. They linger pointedly on the dracnari, then narrow as they are cast upon Miakoda's projected form. "You," it states with a grimace.

Elexia clasps her hands and bows respectfully to a tree in the shape of Miakoda.

A tree in the shape of Miakoda bends her form towards a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow. She breaks into a small smile. "And hello."

A shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow glares angrily at a tree in the shape of Miakoda.

With a soft smile, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says to a tree in the shape of Miakoda, "Thank for you coming, Lady Miakoda."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery glances at the form of Miakoda, looking her up and down, before finally offering a flat, "Eh... That works too."

Rhenna snickers softly to herself.

Carefully and quietly choosing her words, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Admittedly, under less dire circumstances, I do admit that there is a certain thrill in narrative flow and proper building of suspense, but this may be a worthwhile situation in which it pays to merely dive into the crescendo."

Flatly, a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery says, "Nonsense."

"Is someone going to explain why I'm here or not," a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow interjects gruffly, ruffling its feathers.

A tree in the shape of Miakoda bends respectfully towards Queen Maeve of the Fae.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow, "Our visitor here says that things-which-are-learning-to-be-dragons are invading Brother Crow's dreams, and he has a way to get us within to help separate them."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow, "He says that this is something that he needs to share with you, specifically."

A shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow stares flatly at Xenthos for a long moment before repeating, inexorably slowly, "Things. Which are learning. To be dragons."

A tree in the shape of Miakoda laughs melodically at Xenthos.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Hatchlings, or something similar?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I enquired, but there was no additional information on the matter."
Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says to a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow, "Or perhaps dragons which are learning to be... things."

Xenthos glances at the 'dracnari.'

Alixia peers about herself unscrupulously.

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Snarling, an impressive facial feat for a crow, a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow says, "What are they doing in Mighty Crow's dreams."

A tree in the shape of Miakoda turns her gaze and her branches to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery. "Are dragons, or dragons-to-be, haunting Hart's dreams then? Please, tell us how to help the Spirits."

A swirl of sparkling motes of light appears over head and dumps Luboo unceremoniously to the ground.

Alixia, Psalmist of the Treesongs says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Are we allowed to stay for this explanation or must it truly be a private event?"

Elexia smiles gently at a tree in the shape of Miakoda, nodding. She helps Luboo to his feet, at least as much as such a faeling is able. She pats the tae'dae's arm, and directs him near Lunath and Alixia.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Stories need to be witnessed and told, don't they?"

Lunath nods his head at Aleyah.

Rhenna nods her head at Aleyah.

Alixia nods her head at Aleyah.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery grabs at the image of Brennan with one arm, before strolling over to do the same with Miakoda, half-dragging them over to a secluded corner of the throne room as he loudly proclaims, "Yes yes! Let me tell you my plans so that you may get everything rolling." The trio huddle together as the dracnari whispers to them for several minute, most of the conversation unheard save for the word "lovebirds" at which both Miakoda and Brennan recoil at in disgust. After several more minutes, the dracnari returns with the pair, smiling proudly. "And there we have it. They should know all they need! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds."

With a flap of its wings, a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow edges pointedly away from Miakoda's form. He does not take his eyes from the dracnari as it moves, expression made of utter disgust.

Alixia tilts her head and listens intently.

Lunath tilts his head curiously.

A tree in the shape of Miakoda's silvery leaves cover her eyes and her face as she withdraws as well, the tree from leaning away from a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow.

A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger crouches low on the ground.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "We will never speak of this again."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Speak of what?"

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Precisely."

Lunath wraps a comforting arm around a tree in the shape of Miakoda.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I'm afraid I don't know what you refer to, Brennan."

Carefully, a tree in the shape of Miakoda says to a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery, "Ah, thank you, for your help. That is a very clear story, and the Moonhart will be able to help. I think I should probably take my leave."

(Glomdoring): Rhenna says, "Exactly."

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery exclaims, "And there you have it! Thank you for your hospitality Queen Maeve!"

A tree in the shape of Miakoda glances at a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow one more time, her wooden expression unreadable.

Elexia clasps her hands to a tree in the shape of Miakoda, bowing as she chimes, "Thank you for coming, Lady Miakoda." She casts a sidelong glance at a tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery.

A tall dracnari garbed in spectacular finery offers a deep bow to the Queen of the Fae before departing the throne room.

Glancing to one side as though in sudden distraction, a tall dracnari moves to the down amid a whirling array of coloured robes, misty-eyed.

Leaves falling from her branches, a tree in the shape of Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart withers and disappears.

"We have what we require," a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow states, pointedly ignoring both Miakoda's glance and the departure of her form.

Ruffling what remains of his feathers before taking off, a shadowy crow bearing the likeness of Brennan Stormcrow vanishes to the down.

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "Back home, then."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Queen Maeve of the Fae, "We will go attend to what must be done, then."

You shrug helplessly.

Alixia stands up straight finally and performs a curtsey at Queen Maeve "By your leave, your Majesty?"

Queen Maeve of the Fae inclines her head politely to those around her.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Come when she dismisses you. We will discuss how to assist Mighty Crow."

[moving]

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. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Lovely coltsfoot carpets the forest floor. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. There are 25 dark nighthags here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 2 armoured bats here. There are 20 illithoid scourges here. A platinum eye sigil is here. There are 25 shadowlord widowriders here. A solstice stocking has been hung here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. A mature rowan tree stands proudly here. There are 3 sapphire beetle origamis here. There are 2 palm sigils here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. Surrounded by domothean death energies, an enormous map of the Catacombs of the Dead stretches across the open air. There are 2 energy cubes here. There are 4 blackened ube loaves shaped like a sleeping wyvern here. A ghostly purple spider with a deadly stinger scuttles about here, eyes glazing with green, then black. Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh is here. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand and a golden whip of the pious in her right hand. 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.
You see a single exit leading north.

Brennan Stormcrow grumbles angrily.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "How can we help Dearest Crow, Brennan?"

Peering around, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Is everyone returned then?"

Muttering, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Blasted dracnari..."

Xenthos nods his head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We are all here.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Brennan Stormcrow, "I'm pretty sure that was an actual dragon."

Shadows swirl around Xenthos's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around his hand.

Correcting himself, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Blasted dragon..."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "It was rather embarrassing to suck up to him, but it seemed that was the only way to get him to talk."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I suppose that's the peril of manipulation."

You smile wryly at Rhenna.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Either way, we got the information we needed and we don't have to gaze upon that wretched thing again."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "In theory."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

Aleyah tilts her head to one side, then just sort of shrugs.

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "More important things to worry about."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Now we can turn our attention to Mighty Crow."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Theory is all it be for now, at least... I understand his instructions on piercing that deep into the
Dreaming, but we will need some sort of anchor here in the Prime to hold open the way."

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Do you have any idea what would make a good anchor?"

You ponder the situation.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I... am very close to learning a skill that can create such anchors."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I think..."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "I have been pondering it, but do any of you? A physical object that could tie the Glomdoring and a dream?"

Aleyah sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Oh--a physical object? Would a dreamcatcher work?"

Deep in thought, you lean your cheek on your hand.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What of all those motes that appeared to be of Him?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says, "They appear to have vanished now, though."

Rancoura nods her head at Xenthos.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Motes belong in dreamcatchers, unless they're being used to torment the enemy."

[suddenly, IdeaTM]

PROBE TOTEM
Skilfully rendered from the trunk of an ancient ravenwood tree, this totem of the shadows shrouds the entire area with its concentration of darkness. Creeping tendrils of twilight quest outwards from its base and chill everything they touch. Brilliant renditions of Crow in his many forms are fashioned along one side of the column while the other contains carvings of various fae. Grotesque leers are captured within their wooden visages, the subtle emanation of light gleaming from their unmoving eyes.
It is a bonded totem.
[runes!]
It is tuned against enemies of the Free Forest of Glomdoring.
It is tuned for members of the Free Forest of Glomdoring.
It weighs about 3750 pounds.
It has the following aliases: totem.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Motes, Dreamcatchers, the Webs for catching shadowy Crows, one of the lovely Roses..."

You say, "Perhaps... one of the totems?"

Waving a hand dismissively, Brennan Stormcrow says, "And too insubstantial to work."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "A shadow Totem?"

Brennan Stormcrow glances towards you, raising a brow. "Hmm. Totems?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The eggshells in His Nest?"

Brennan Stormcrow ponders the situation.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Xenthos, "Or, perhaps, the feather."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "A totem could work..."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "Would the Ravenwood itself not be sufficient?"

Xenthos ponders a shadow totem thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...it may be a risk to have a conduit to the dream world so close to our nexus."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "There is this one."

Brennan Stormcrow pats the Master Ravenwood as he says, "I would not link it directly to the dreaming with dragons mucking about."

Brennan Stormcrow picks his nose absently.

You nod solemnly.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "And having it too close could be a danger... So first thing's first, Glomdoring. Where shall we build?"

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "There's a nice clearing in the woods where beetles scurry."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If we want to anchor it firmly to the Glomdoring, we have often used the Spider's Larder."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "In the heart of the woods."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I was about to suggest the Larder as well."

You nod your head in agreement.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It's very close to Lady Viravain, and Dearest Crow was always Her most beloved Creation."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Aye? You all agree to that then. Then let us meet there. I will join you in a meoment."

[moving to the larder. monstrosities are there! we kill them]

Spiders' larder.
There is but a light breeze blowing. Ethereal strings of gossamer lichen stretch between the boughs of the trees and cover the undergrowth with a filmy mantle of green in this mysterious glade. The lichen hangs down from branches and lays a gentle hand upon everything it touches, bringing life and fertility. Animals and insects are abundant, birds sing and noble dragonflies flit about, celebrating nature in all of its forms. Light filters down from gaps in the treetops high above, making its way to the forest floor past the numerous ephemeral strands, refracting off the moisture on each one. Nothing resists the touch of the silky filaments; they adorn nearly every surface in the glen, havens for small creatures. Nearly everything has a coating of ethereal lime green. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. Settled within the branches of an ancient and skeletal tree roosts a murder of crows, their voices harsh and deafening as their caws peal through the air. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A furry tarantula crouches here, ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. A translucent spider slinks here, long legs jittering. 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. Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh is here. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand and a golden whip of the pious in her right hand. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd is here, shrouded. She wields a golden sickle in her left hand and a silver-edged kite shield in her right hand.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, and northwest.

Aleyah flashes a war shrine of Viravain a joyous smile.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "From above, the area looks like a giant web... or a giant dreamcatcher."

Brennan Stormcrow paces in, grumbling as he surveys the location for several moments before finally nodding. "As fine a place as any, Glomdoring. This will work."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Rhenna, "Indeed. It is quite appropriate."

Aleyah nods her head at Xenthos.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Xenthos, "This feels like a good place to reach out from. It's comforting, here."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "We must put some thought into this. A totem of any type is useless without the proper intent behind it. Images have power. What form will this totem take? What would will we carve it from?"

Correcting himself, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Wood will we carve it from."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "The crown should likely be a crow, in His honour."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Though, we could incorporate the webs as well."

Aleyah nods her head at Rancoura.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Ravenwoods, no? We can bring you all ten of them."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But I cannot see using other than Ravenwood for it."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "Perhaps with its wings spread and beak open in a call of triumph -- a symbol of strength and wyrden pride."

Rancoura ponders a shadow totem thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "The spider webs here would make for an excellent show of tethers, little breaks a spider's silk, and it would be a wonderful image of being connected to home."

Brennan Stormcrow nods at each of the suggestions given so far. "I can see it now in my mind's eye, Glomdoring. And adorned with webs? Are there any other offerings that we could place upon it. If its construction is not sincere, it could fail us."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...and of course, the eyes--those are the window to the soul. One eye sees the material world, while the other gazes into the dreamworld?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "Dearest Crow has only one eye, though."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "I would agree that ravenwood is likely best; perhaps it could be carved to resemble a ravenwood itself, complete with roots, if it is to be an anchor."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...true. My memory failed me there..."

Rhenna blushes furiously.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "Webs to aid with its rooting, for spidersilk is strong."
.
Brennan Stormcrow says, "An eye, blood red like Mighty Crow's..."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Of blood itself, if need be, I do not fear bleeding."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Is there any blood that could be offered to paint this eye with?"

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips.

Brennan Stormcrow nods his head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have never hesitated to shed my blood for the Forest."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Nor have any else here."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I would always open my veins... but is that going to be precious enough?"

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "The blood of each of us would certainly mark the totem as ours, for our safe return."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Brennan Stormcrow, "Perhaps an infusion of shadowessence, to bolster its power."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And the feathers the crows leave behind, like the crow-cloaks druids make."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I've my own crow cloak on hand."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The viscera of carrion, to entice Mighty Crow's waking."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We will need to kill widows for silk."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "That is a start to the corpses."

Rancoura nods her head at Aleyah, showing her acceptance.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Go forth and collect these items for me then! I will begin what preparations I must here."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I can collect the Spiders."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I will get the ravenwood."

[running around, getting stuff. more monstrosities]

(Glomdoring): Siam says, "What is happening?"

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "We are building a totem."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Things which are learning-to-be-dragons are invading Brother Crow's dreams, where they have apparently trapped Him."

(Glomdoring): Siam says, "A special one, I take it?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We are working to correct the situatoin."

(Glomdoring): Siam says, "Ahh. I shall watch as a dreamform."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Brennan is building a totem which can be used to anchor the Glomdoring to a place deep in the Dreaming, that we can venture there."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We are building it at the Spider's Larder."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "There are also monstrosities invading the Forest, apparently manifestations of Brother Crow's dreams."

(Glomdoring): Siam says, "I shall tether to Warden Esei."

[coordinating items and things. Xenthos flexes into Crow.]

[back to the larder!]

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Who wishes to offer their eye to the endeavour?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I will."

With blinding speed, Xenthos darts forward and pecks out an eye of Aleyah, leaving a bloody socket behind. The eyeball plops messily to the ground.

Thin tendrils of shadow reach out from Xenthos to rake across the skin of Aleyah.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Now we've an eye."

Aleyah giggles happily.

Aleyah gives a bloody eyeball to Brennan Stormcrow.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Rancoura, "Have you a vial prepared for collection?"

Rancoura fuses together several garnets and forms a garnet vial.

Aleyah claps her hands together merrily.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I love garnets."

Raising a jagged black athame of crystal, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Are we prepared?"

Brennan Stormcrow moves about, setting down the gathered materials around himself in preparation.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I have been asked by Siam, to tell those who have pyramids to set a point as soon as we get there."

You nod solemnly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He will follow."

Aurik pats a blood-inscribed booklet of shadows in a friendly manner.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "I will begin as soon as all you believe is necessary for a proper totem is gathered."

With an utter lack of hesitation, Rancoura tucks the garnet vial in the crook of her arm and sweeps the blade across her palm.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "May we have a web for feathers, Brennan?"

Xenthos spreads his arms wide and begins to pick at the oily, black feathers that cover his body with his mouth. As if finding one that suits his purposes, he yanks one out with a triumphant caw.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Unless you'd prefer a full cloak."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Or did my cloak suffice?"

Xenthos pats a black crow's feather in a friendly manner.

Aleyah beams broadly at Xenthos.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I can produce cloaks, as well."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "The cloak will work."

Rhenna's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Aleyah nods her head at Rhenna.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And an extra feather."

Alixia has been trampled into a bloody pulp and then gored by an antlered monstrosity.
You see the death occur at Moon River under a rope bridge.

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

With a flourish, Xenthos slips a black avian hilted katana into a Baldric of Klangratch.
Drawing a ritualistic dagger of Shikari out of a Baldric of Klangratch fluidly, Xenthos thrusts it high above his head, saluting all around him before slicing it back down through the air to a ready position.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh no. How awful. Serenwilde is struggling."

Gazing upon the smooth, now-split flesh of her palm, Rancoura waits until the blood has begun to seep freely from the wound before clenching her hand and holding the vial below, allowing a decent flow of the sanguine fluid to drip within.

Rhenna giggles happily.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "How much blood is needed?"

[monstrosities invade]

Brennan Stormcrow suddenly glances around warily.

You whisper, "There are more monstrosities here, if we would wish to kill them first."

Rancoura approaches Aleyah next, taking her palm in her unwounded hand and drawing the keen crystalline blade across it as well. Once a fair quantity of Aleyah's blood has passed through the vial's mouth, the Haruspex does the same for Aurik, you and Rhenna.

Xenthos trails the blade of the ritual dagger across his palm for a few moments, looking at the gathering before suddenly clenching his fist around the blade. Shortly thereafter, blood begins to drip from between his fingers, dripping to the ground. He holds forth his hand to Rancoura and the vial, hand opening as blood gushes forth, accompanied by flickering motes of shadowfire.

[even more monstrosities]

You nod solemnly.

Rancoura descends gracefully to the slumbering Siam's side, taking his listless hand and slicing his palm as well, adding it to the nearly-filled vial's contents.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says to Rancoura, "Me next?"

Devoid of a blade to call her own, Aleyah bites into the heel of her palm until blood flows freely from it. She extends her hand with dripping wound out to Rancoura for further collection.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Hn. They're chasing us."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Rhenna, "I have collected yours already, Nascent."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "...oh! I didn't notice..."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "It was quite painless, then."

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Well, if you need more, go ahead and drain me dry."

You pat Rhenna in a friendly manner.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We shall make a pretty red paint, I hope."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Rhenna, "You shall require a decent tolerance of pain to survive these woods. It is for the best."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Is that everything then, Glomdoring?"

Aleyah giggles happily.

[monstrosities enter from stage east]

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I believe so."

Brennan Stormcrow grumbles as more monstrosities intrude.

Rising with fluidity, Rancoura drifts to Xenthos, contemplating his already well-bleeding hand. Gently, she turns it over the vial, allowing his blood to flow into the vial before nodding to Brennan Stormcrow.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Brennan Stormcrow, "Ravenwood, Carrion, Web, Blood, eye, feathers..."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "Each of these intrusions is just more flesh for the pile."

The corners of Brennan Stormcrow's mouth turn up as he grins mischeviously.

You ask, "Would we need the motes?"

Brennan Stormcrow says, "And is all the Glomdoring gathered that will be here?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Aurik, "Give the bodies to Brennan, yes?"

Comprehension flashes across Aurik's face.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to Aleyah, "I've not actually gotten any."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

Showing that she understands, Aleyah nods her head slowly.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Are we missing anyone? The totem construction shall commence shortly."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I see no one else for the Excursion."

[intruding monstrosities]

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Then let us begin."

Aleyah nods her head at Brennan Stormcrow.

Brennan Stormcrow holds out both his hands, humming a strangely discordant note that resonates with the Glomdoring, itself. The materials gathered around him begin to tremble, lifting into the air, breaking apart and reforming around each other as he concentrates. The ground itself seems to bubble and writhe.

Mighty roots dig into the dark soil below as as a large totem of ravenwood begins to take shape, still insubstantial and not quite formed as its faint outline flickers within the larder -it's shape being clearer with each passing moment.

Aleyah breathes a soft, serene sigh, smiling.

Brennan Stormcrow crushes a garnet vial in one of his hands, immediately soaking it in a thick layer of blood. He reaches out towards the wavering outline, painting the image of an eye at its centre. As soon as the blood is placed, the totem seems to manifest entirely with a loud CRACK that echoes throughout the forest.

Spiders' larder.
It is warm and quite pleasant. Ethereal strings of gossamer lichen stretch between the boughs of the trees and cover the undergrowth with a filmy mantle of green in this mysterious glade. The lichen hangs down from branches and lays a gentle hand upon everything it touches, bringing life and fertility. Animals and insects are abundant, birds sing and noble dragonflies flit about, celebrating nature in all of its forms. Light filters down from gaps in the treetops high above, making its way to the forest floor past the numerous ephemeral strands, refracting off the moisture on each one. Nothing resists the touch of the silky filaments; they adorn nearly every surface in the glen, havens for small creatures. Nearly everything has a coating of ethereal lime green. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. Settled within the branches of an ancient and skeletal tree roosts a murder of crows, their voices harsh and deafening as their caws peal through the air. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. Patient as death, Mochara, the bearded vulture waits here, eying her surroundings. A translucent spider slinks here, long legs jittering. Rising tall overhead, a totem of shadowed wood sits here, decorated with the offerings of the Glomdoring forest. 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. Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh is here. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand and a golden whip of the pious in her right hand. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. He is surrounded by a deflection bubble. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd is here, shrouded. She wields a golden sickle in her left hand and a silver-edged kite shield in her right hand. A massive spider skitters here, spinning her web.

Towering overhead, and several feet wide in diameter this mighty totem has been crafted from feathery ravenwood of a dark, wyrden hue. At the totem's base, mighty roots jut outwards, digging deeply into the soil here and anchoring it firmly within the ground. At it's apex, an elaborate depiction of Brother Crow has been carved, wings spread and beak open in victorious crowsong. Several branches reach out from the totem, ornately arranged just beneath the Spirit's image, strings of spidersilk hung between them in a delicate, intricate pattern not unlike a dreamcatcher complete with crows' feathers. At the totems centre, a large all-seeing eye has been carved, painted a beautiful crimson with thickened blood. Offerings of still warm flesh are arranged around the totem, symbols of the forest's bounty for both the waking and the dreaming. A single, plucked eye rests at the centre of the totem's base, gazing up towards the Crow idol above. Amidst the wood-whorls is a single opening where something small might be placed.
It weighs about 1250 pounds.
The dream totem of Glomdoring is holding:
Nothing.
It has the following aliases: totem.

Brennan Stormcrow relaxes his arms, glancing up at the newly formed totem.

Siam ponders the dream totem of Glomdoring thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates the dream totem of Glomdoring.

Siam steps forward and places a hand upon the dream totem, his eyes closed.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "A fine enough totem, Glomdoring."

Murmuring reverently, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It's beautiful."

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks, "What is its opening for?"

Brennan Stormcrow ponders the opening, "Hmm. I am not certain. It was not intentionally part of my design, at least. It seems to have manifested on its own."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates a shadow totem.

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "A mote, perhaps."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Perhaps a mote?"

You nod your head in agreement.

Aleyah grins mischievously at Aurik.

Aurik rumbles a series of huffing breaths towards Aleyah, a pleased growl rolling beneath them.

Thoughtfully, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "And this totem is an anchor, yes? Perhaps it has appeared for a reason."

Aleyah gives a twirling nightmare mote to Brennan Stormcrow.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "What kind of mote--a dream mote or one of the nightmare motes?"

With several beats of her wings, Aleyah alights upon Aurik's shoulder.

The dream totem of Glomdoring flickers and sparkles, but nothing else happens. It does not appear to be fully in tune with the Dreaming at this time. A wavering nightmare mote is spit back out onto the ground.

You furrow your brow in thought.

Aleyah ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

You ask, "What about a normal one, then?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Attune."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It does not seem to be in tune with the Dreaming at this time..."

Softly, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks, "We are to attune it to the Dreaming?"

Brennan Stormcrow nods his head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So how do we attune it?"

Brennan Stormcrow says, "That damned dragon showed me the way. A moment."

Siam tilts his head and listens intently to Brennan Stormcrow.

You ponder the situation.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks Xenthos, "Did he just mention 'dragon'?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to Siam, "It's something that never really happened."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We promised."

Showing that he understands, Aurik nods his head slowly.

You say, "There was a dragon, though."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "There was, but we're not speaking of that again."

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Hmph. I am not sure how long this will take, so you should perhaps catch others up on what's happened."

Tight-lipped, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks, "A giant dragon paid Master Brennan a visit?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Ah... no, well if we have time."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "Settle in! I love telling stories."

Siam tilts his head and listens intently to Aleyah.

Brennan Stormcrow lays his hands upon the totem and concentrates, a faint glow enveloping it as he attempts to pierce the Dreaming.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says to Brennan Stormcrow, "I'm also a Dreamweaver at the moment - I can aid however little."

Mochara, the bearded vulture grabs Aurik's shoulder with her beak and tugs at him sharply, releasing her grip to fix him with a hungry stare and a reproachful squawk.

Still concentrating, Brennan Stormcrow says, "You may attempt. I am not sure what will happen."

Showing that he understands, Siam nods his head slowly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Earlier this weave, I was present when Dearest Crow began to craw in agitation. I went to see him, and he was fighting off sleep as though sleep were a terrible enemy. He cracked his beak and cast his eye about for what seemed to be intruders, though we could see none. Eventually - he lost that fight, and sleep took him."

Siam stands behind Brennan and places a hand upon the ancient druid's shoulder. He furrows his eyes in concentration, he flickers ethereally as he attempts to bolster Brennan's attempt to pierce the Dreaming.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Upon being taken by sleep - and I mean that quite literally - these feathered monstrosities began to flood the forest in waves. They drop odd pieces of nightmare, like dream motes gone wrong, when slain. After a few waves, we noticed that Serenwilde was gathered at Queen Maeve's throne, and we joined them."

Siam glances briefly at Aleyah and gives the briefest wink, indicating that he is listening, before turning to focus upon the totem once more.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We found there something that appeared to be a Dracnari, having a great time listening to our worries and woes. The Dracnari made me pretend to fawn over it being a dragon before it would tell us anything useful - though we did confirm that the Hart is having similar issues. These Monstrosities are being dreamed into being by Dearest Crow, and the Dragon took Brennan and.... some lady from Serenwilde whose name isn't important, aside and told them how to reach the portion of Dreaming where the issue is."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "The issue is Things-Learning-To-Be-Dragons playing in the Dearest Crow's dreams. I think we're going to chase them off."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And then we'll wake up Dearest Crow again."

[monstrosity enters, tries really hard to break Xenthos's shield via slamming its head into it]

Aurik ponders a horrific feathered monstrosity thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "These monstrosities."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Brennan Stormcrow swears under his breath at the intrusion.

Rhenna hovers in the air, flitting over to Brennan's other shoulder. She places her hand on his shoulder and attempts to aide Siam in bolstering Brennan.

Flickers of dream energy twist around Siam and form into words, 'Are we are aware what motes the beasts in Seren drop?'

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Similar, though their beasts resemble the prey that they revere."

You ponder a blinking nightmare mote thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Antlered, with blazing eyes, instead of with beautiful plumage gone wrong."

(Glomdoring): Gurashi says, "Many ... greetings, Glomdoring - what is this about a Totem??"

Flickers of dream energy twist around Siam and form into words, 'Perhaps we must keep more of these motes - for after we successfully attune the totem to the Dreaming'

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Please come to the Spider's Larder."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Come to the Spider's Larder."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The motes decay after a day or so."

[Gurashi has joined the party!]

Gurashi tilts his head curiously.

Gurashi quickly bends at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Rhenna endures the pain, trying to keep a blank face throughout.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Gurashi.

Gurashi nods his head at Rancoura.

Aleyah inclines her head politely to Gurashi.

Flickers of dream energy twist around Siam, twinkling as if to convey understanding.

Gurashi looks to each of those gathered, antennae raised in concern and confusion.

You say, "...normal motes show a dream when they are eaten."

Aleyah nods her head at the dream totem of Glomdoring.

Flickers of dream energy twist around Siam and form into words, 'Has anyone tried ingesting the nightmare motes?'

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I agree, but let's finish attuning the Totem first."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We have not, yet, and I don't think it a good idea prior to the anchor."

Aleyah gives Gurashi a pained sigh.

Mochara, the bearded vulture eyes the feathers of her wing critically, using her beak to straighten a few out before studying it again, giving a croaky squawk of satisfaction.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Right, I'll explain in tells, I just finished explaining."

You pat Mochara, the bearded vulture in a friendly manner.

Gurashi looks at Aleyah, expression filled with concern as he frowns.

Beads of sweat manifest as dying starburts upon Siam's brow, evidence of the great effort required to support Brennan.

Mochara, the bearded vulture snaps her beak around at your hand, narrowly missing out on a snack.

You nod your head sagely at Mochara, the bearded vulture.

Gurashi stares at Aleyah, eyes wide.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...Yes?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh, the blood on my face?"

Showing that he understands, Gurashi nods his head slowly.

Ethereal black roses explode into being around Siam as he continues supporting Brennan, they flicker before faiding into thorned skeins of dream energy.

Rhenna flinches from time to time as if being attacked on all sides. She redoubles her resolve and offers her free hand to Siam.

Brennan Stormcrow grumbles to himself, "If that dragon was telling lies instead of stories..." He presses his fingers more firmly into the totem, chaotic flickers of dream energy dancing around the totem. Finally something seems to snap into place and he announces "AHA!" removing his hands.

Siam takes Rhenna's hand and clasps it with his, grateful for the support.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "I think it is all in place, Glomdoring."

Siam blinks.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Brennan Stormcrow, "If it was lying, we will go on a Dragon Hunt."

Siam steps back from Brennan and stares at the totem.

The totem accepts the offering of a wavering nightmare mote. Reality shifts and shudders, and you suddenly feel something change in the Dreaming.

Nascent Rhenna, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Could always use some dragonscale armor."

Siam sways back and forth.

You blink.

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Xenthos blinks.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "I felt -something- there."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We can put the motes in it now."

You ponder a blinking nightmare mote thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Brennan Stormcrow says, "Hmm... Try touching it."

With a wistful look on his face, Xenthos touches the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Xenthos's fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and he suddenly appears weary. A soft swirl of violet colour flutters about him as he falls to the ground.
Xenthos clenches his fists and grits his teeth.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...That did something."

Softly and eagerly, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Feed it all the motes."

You blink.

With a wistful look on her face, Rancoura touches the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Rancoura's fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and she suddenly appears weary. A soft swirl of violet colour flutters about her as she falls to the ground.

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought.

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You reach out and touch the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Your fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and you feel a sense of weariness come over you. The world about you swirls and becomes hazy, filled with the dancing of wyrden leaves and spiders skittering across your vision.
Your insomnia has cleared up.

With a wistful look on her face, Rancoura touches the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Rancoura's fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and she suddenly appears weary. A soft swirl of violet colour flutters about her as she falls to the ground.
Rancoura's eyes close suddenly as she falls asleep.

With a wistful look on his face, Siam touches the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Siam's fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and he suddenly appears weary. A soft swirl of violet colour flutters about him as he falls to the ground.

With a wistful look on his face, Aurik touches the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Aurik's fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and he suddenly appears weary. A soft swirl of violet colour flutters about him as he falls to the ground.

You blink.

You reach out and touch the dream totem of Glomdoring.
Your fingers lightly brush the dream totem of Glomdoring, and you feel a sense of weariness come over you. The world about you swirls and becomes hazy, filled with the dancing of wyrden leaves and spiders skittering across your vision.
You are afflicted with sprawled.
You are afflicted with asleep.
You feel incredibly tired, and fall asleep immediately.

You traverse the boundary between reality and dreams.
Dreams of Crow.
The screeching of dozens upon dozens of crows fills the air, their wings blackening the already gloomy skies that hang above the twisted dream-forest. The scene below is one of destruction, broken branches scattered among puddles of blood and ripped chunks of flesh - the nearby river choked with viscera. Upon the ground, at the centre of the chaos, stands the target of the crows' fury - a hulking beast covered in gleaming scales of a deep, crimson hue. The beast stands defiantly, however, despite the assault of the angry murder. A massive battle hammer lies here on the ground, fading in and out of view.

[to be continued!]